6 Wines to Fall for this Autumn

Fall is officially here, so time to move on from our summer sippers and find some cozy comfort in fuller bodied wines. Here is a list to get you started:

Chanson Père & Fils Viré-Clessé 2015 (VINTAGES#: 42044)

From the Mâconnais region of France, this ripe and flavourful Chardonnay has notes of apple butter, peach and spice along with a lively mineral finish. Round on the palate, this wine pairs with roast chicken or butternut squash risotto.

Sergio Zenato Riserva Lugana 2015 (VINTAGES#: 928218)

Made from 100% Trebbiano di Lugana from the Veneto region in Italy, this wine is barrel-aged and has weight and texture, along with layers of rich stone fruit, lemon custard, florality and spice. Lovely on its own or with creamy pasta.

Domaine Maby La Forcadière Tavel Rosé 2017 (VINTAGES#: 701318)

Don’t give up on rosé just yet – try this deeply hued, dry rosé with your fall cuisine. Full-bodied, with concentrated black fruit and herbs, the wine has a crisp acidity that makes it wonderfully food friendly. Perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner table.

Stéphane Aviron Vieilles Vignes Moulin-à-Vent 2015 (VINTAGES#: 368134 )

While young, fruity Beaujolais tends to have a more summery vibe, cru wines from older vines (this one from 100-year-old vines) and barrel aging achieve a seriousness that befits fall. Loaded with dark cherry and blackberry, this wine has great structure and will develop over the next couple of years.

Tawse Grower's Blend Cabernet Franc 2015 (LCBO# 284570)

A Niagara superstar, Cabernet Franc is the great balancing act between richness and vibrancy. This vintage is meaty and smoky with great tannin-acid balance and heaps of ripe black fruit, dried herbs and liquorice.  Extend your barbeque season with grilled lamb or your best gourmet burger.

Barón de Ley 7 Viñas Reserva 2010 (VINTAGES# 91983)

This beautiful Rioja is made from seven different grape varieties – three of them white grapes adding freshness and elegance. There is ripe red fruit on the palate, along with notes of rose and balsamic. The tannins are soft and round, making this a lovely sipping wine on a cool autumn night.

Anjana Viswanatha is the sommelier at Bacchanal in Toronto, the founder of Wednesday Night Wine (www.wednesdaynightwine.ca) and a wine educator at George Brown College. Get in touch with Anjana: anjana@wednesdaynightwine.ca and follow her on Instagram @wednesdaynightwine.