7 Expert Tips: Wine Recommendations on the Best for Fall

It’s fall holiday and entertaining season, and whether you’re planning an informal get-together outdoors or a formal holiday meal, or looking for a host or hostess gift, you’ll probably be in search of a bottle or two of wine perfect to drink in the fall season. We turned to the authorities on all things wine for answers and ideas on our questions about what to serve this season. Here’s our interview full of expert advice and recommendations from our friends at SommSelect on the best wine to buy at every price point this fall 2022.

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expert advice on the best wine to serve this fall

1. It’s fall entertaining season: is it true that it’s time to shift from “summer wines” to a different menu? What’s the difference between a “fall wine” and a “summer wine”?

The idea that wines like rosé can only be enjoyed in the summer is a total myth! You should drink the wines you like to drink any time of the year; it doesn’t have to be dependent on the season.

Of course, as your dinner party menus change with the season so might your preferences. During the summertime, we like to drink wines like rosé and whites that are lighter in style and more refreshing so we can stay energized and hydrated in the heat. As we move into the colder weather, it’s nice to transition into heavier styles of wine that make us feel cozy like the season does.

Wines from producers like Pradeaux, Pibarnon, and Chateau Simone are great rosé with a heavier palette that pairs nicely with fall flavors.

2. The old school mandate was that white wines and rose were to drink in the summer and red wines for fall and winter. Is that true? Are there white wines great for fall?

I think whites and rosés should be enjoyed all year long, especially if those are the wines you prefer to drink. Sometimes you are just craving rosé in January and you should go with it!

Winter rosés and whites are actually a huge trend we’ve been seeing at SommSelect. It’s popular to find notes of apples, stone fruits, green herbs, and wet stone in white wine which lends itself perfectly to a cozy night by the fire. Chardonnay, Viognier & Grüner Veltliner are all great winter whites to look at as you transition to fall.

3. What do you suggest for 5-7 fall wines that are $30 and under?

At SommSelect our mission is to prove that you can actually drink better for less money. We specialize in sourcing small-batch wines from around the world, mostly in the $30 range. These are some of my favorites in that range, and you can always seek out a similar variety at your local wine shop.

Italian wines $30 and under

For starters, Italian wines are always going to be great quality at a great price. Some of my favorites for Fall are the De Forville, Dolcetto d’Alba at $25 which has substance and freshness. It is ripe, fragrant, and dry, finishing making it a great transition wine.

If you want something more earthy and savory then the Monsecco “Pratogrande” Nebbiolo at $30 is a great choice. It smells like the approaching winter: warm spices, dried fruits, and a hint of smoke, like leaves burning in the distance.

wines from the United States $30 and under

You can always find great-value US wines from the smaller wine regions that do not get as much press as Napa & Sonoma. The Joyce, ‘Submarine Canyon’ Chardonnay from the Central Coast region in California is only $28. This is a great example of a winter white that features Burgundian structure you might expect from a traditional Burgundy, rather than the traditional tropical fruit, viscosity, and buttery oak of a chardonnay.

The Leah Jørgensen Cellars Cab Franc from Southern Oregon at $27 is another great US value wine. Just based on color alone it will give you fall vibes featuring dark fruit and warm spice, including Morello cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, cranberry, violets, black pepper, anise, and ground coffee.

French wines $30 and under

You cannot go wrong with the Julien Sunier, “Wild Soul” at $30. Gamay from Beaujolias in France is a go-to Fall wine for sommeliers and sure to impress everyone at your dinner table.

Austrian wines $30 and under

Lastly, at $28 there is the Weingut Högl, Grüner Veltliner from Austria. It is a great value fall time white wine as it can have more body than summertime whites and will pair well with fall vegetables.

4. If we want to splurge, or give a bottle as a gift to our hosts, what do you suggest for really special wines that are $50+ per bottle?

Wines of Burgundy are always an impressive splurge for your wine-loving friends and will pair well with any fall-themed dinner party.

For red burgundy (which is also known as Pinot Noir) you have wines like the Domaine François Gaunoux, Pommard 1er Cru, “Les Grands Epenots” or Domaine Darviot-Perrin, Volnay Premier Cru “Santenots”.

And for white burgundy (also known as Chardonnay), there is the Remoissenet Père et Fils, Chassagne-Montrachet or the Bitouzet-Prieur, Meursault 1er Cru “Perrières”.

5. What’s trending in the world of wine as we head into the fall? If we want to serve a cool, on-trend tipple, what would impress people in the know?

Non-traditional European countries are starting to gain more interest in, and are producing delicious and surprising wine! Countries like Greece, Hungary, Georgia, and Armenia have such rich wine-making history and traditions that many people don’t know about. Wines from these region are rich in flavor and have a rustic quality that transports you to these countries.

At SommSelect we’re also really excited about Greek wine. While it’s obviously a summer hotspot wines from Santorini, Crete and Paros can also transition well into Fall. Try pairing this Xinomavro from the winery Diamantakos with a lamb dish like herb-crusted lamb chops or a Lamb Ragù to bring the Greek Islands into the fall season.

6. Is orange wine still a thing, and is it something we should consider as a fall wine option?

I think the trendiness of orange wine has subsided but the overall trend has allowed for winemakers who are passionate about this style to really focus on it. I usually recommend orange wine for the more serious wine drinker who is interested in exploring more complex styles of wine.

For a fall vibe, orange wine pairs well with strong cheese, curries, and dishes with lots of spices.

7. What other general tips can you share for making a fall dinner party more fun with the right wine selections?

We always enjoy a fun theme, where everyone brings a wine that is the same varietal or from the same region/country. It is a fun way to share your favorite wines with your friends and learn more about the trends.

A blind tasting is always a crowd favorite and leads to a fun time! One of the hard things with blind tasting though is that the person who is pouring the wine has to know the wine so they cannot participate in guessing. SommSelect actually has a blind tasting kit called the Blind 6 that solves that problem as all the bottles are delivered to you wrapped in black tissue paper. This way everyone can join in on the fun!

expert advice and wine recommendations for the best this fall

Those are the expert picks and wine recommendations from our friends at SommSelect as you prepare for the fall entertaining season. We’re totally trying one or more of these for our next gathering. What’s at the top of your list this fall, dear reader?

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