Dust off those crock pots, soup season is officially here. You may still drink Rose after Labor Day, but as Columbus Day weekend approaches, Rose wine fatigue starts setting in. Does the change of season signal a change of wine for you? Usually by October, Rose consumption comes to a screeching halt (pssst...It's perfectly acceptable to drink pink all year round) and we start to see a return to fuller bodied wines both red and white. Sitting around a fire pit in October is somewhat different than that same scenario in the middle of August even though S'mores are good all year round. The light whites and reds that once occupied our glasses now are in search of something more abundant, but still not full bodied. Think about the foods that come to market in autumn like roasted squash, apples, more savory items, soups and my favorite crock pot season. What wines will compliment the balance of these more substantial foods?
1.) Beaujolias
Fall would no be complete without mentioning Gamay, the grape varietal responsible for making Beaujolais. A few weeks ago we hosted a class dedicated to the region and exposed our students to the different styles far beyond what the popular Nouveau brings to the table. For Pinot Noir fans, Gamay from Beaujolais is a nice alternative without spending tremendous amounts of money on Cru Burgundy. From smooth and elegant to rustic and earthy, Gamay compliments a variety of autumn's bounty. More on that later.
2.) White Burgundy
Chardonnay is probably the one grape varietal that is as divided as Yankees and Red Sox fans. You either love it or hate it, that is until you've tried Chardonnay from Burgundy France. Not ultra light, but not full bodied or over blown with oak and butter, Take for instance the Domaine Fabrice Larochette La Grande Bruyère from Mâcon-Fuissé, not Pouilly-Fusse although you're heading in the right direction. 100% un-oaked Chardonnay with yellow fruits cut with lime and green plums. A touch of vanilla gives the wine a full final aftertaste that lingers for awhile. It's a game changer for even Chard-haters.
$2 OFF with mention of email.
3.) Un-Oaked California Chardonnay
Going along with the same theory as the White Burgundy and following a similar model, Jackhammer is a partnership between Stephen Dooley, owner and winemaker of Stephen Ross Winery, and Sandy Garber owner and founder of Garber & Co Wine -- and their families. The big, oaky, buttery Chardonnays from California have enjoyed explosive popularity in the past several decades, but now we are seeing a return to Old-World style Chards. They lean more towards a clean, crisp style that rarely utilizes new oak. The 2014 Jackhammer Chardonnay is all stainless steel with zero malolactic! Tropical fruit and lemon zest on the nose. Round and full palate with mineral undertones. Awesome value!
$2 OFF with email mention.
4.) Old World Wines/New World Ideas
There's a movement going on in the "old world" with regards to following their strict wine rules in order to gain AOC/DOCG etc status. A lot of winemakers are beginning to shift their practices of conforming to making wines they like. Take for instance Ferdinando Pricipano from Piedmont Italy, home of Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera. Becoming fed up. for a lack of better terms, with the conventional ways his wines were being produced, he missed the terrior, his home that defined his wines. In 2003, Ferdinando began to farm organically, and by 2006 all vineyards are now farmed with his form of low impact agriculture. Ferdinando calls it “in respect of territory.” Ferdinando sulphurs very little (25 mg/l or less) and only at bottling. ferments naturally and not over-oaking or over-working his wines. The Dossett is 100% Dolcetto with 0, zero sulfur added aged in stainless steel. Dried cherries and violets on the nose. Little hints of earthiness with soft tannins and low 10% alcohol making this a prime candidate for a slight chill. Easy drinking everyday Italian red from Piemonte! $1 OFF with email mention.
This wine is just a huge bargain and worth venturing into if you like something with earthiness. The Elvio Tintero Rosso is a blend of several different grapes, but because they source those grapes form different parts of Piedmont there is no specific DOC and it is currently not permitted to display vintage on table wines of this type and they're good with that. Again, making wines that they want to make. Food friendly, fresh flavors, fine fruit-acid and hints of savory earthiness make this a great everyday drinker. $1 OFF with mention of email.
4.) Southern French Red Blends
Much like the two wines mentioned above, not everything has to come from the top of the wine producing regions. The south of France is home to a melting pot of international and local grape varietals that are super affordable and fun. How is a wine fun? C'mon look at that label. It's a cicada playing a banjo, but inside the bottle Domaine Chante Cigale, The Cicada has fresh raspberry fruits on the nose, flavors are more ripe cherry with a touch of spice. The Carignan adds a bit of body to the vibrant Grenache, nicely balanced acidity with supple tannins. Again great everyday without weighing you down or breaking the bank.
$1 OFF with email mention
Now for your homework, get out there an try something new for that empty glass!
*** All discounted pricing is good for the entire month of October 2017 as per CT State Liquor Laws