Best Wine to Drink This Fall

The warm days of summer are dwindling down, and fall is making its appearance. It is a magical time of year – colorful leaves, crisp air, cozy fireside gatherings, and warm comforting food. Naturally, the new season calls for some new wines to match. It doesn’t mean you have to abandon your poolside Rosé! But it might be a good idea to add a warm Red to your wine routine. 

As the temperatures are dropping and fireplaces are crackling, we’re in need of comfort, as well as something smooth to get us through shorter days ahead. Pumpkin spice latte seems to have taken the title of best fall coffee beverage, what about wine? My choice is Sangiovese. Sangiovese is and has always been THE dominant grape of central Italian red wines, and Chianti in particular. Generally prized for its firm tannins, acid structure, as well as a savory profile with aromas of dark cherry, red plum, and strawberry, evolving more into tobacco, smoke, oregano, and leather with time.

This bottle of Carpineto Chianti Classico 2019 is ruby in color, abundantly aromatic with notes of sappy cherry and ripe plum, tangled with violets and earthy hints, lifted by some mixed-spice notes. Aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and Slavonian oak barrels for 4 to 6 months, then bottled aged an additional 4 to 6 months. Medium-plus bodied with vibrant acidity and a dry, intense, well-rounded finish.

Various dishes can work well: rich roasted meats, cured sausages, pasta Bolognese, as well as hard cheeses. Thanks to its acidity, it can match well with fattier meats also. Mmm, maybe even a mushroom risotto! What would you pair it with?