Wine
These Two Styles of Wine Are Perfect for Fall Drinking
November 14, 2024
Although rosé has long been associated with warm weather seasons, any expert sommelier will tell you that the style is perfect for year-round enjoyment—and there are more than a few reasons why. Similarly, chillable reds fall into the same category, as their high acid and food friendliness make them perfect for pairing with a variety of seasonal foods (as well as transitioning from sun-drenched summer days to the cooler temperatures of fall).
Curious to learn more? Our team of experts is breaking down why rosé and chillable reds are ideal for fall sipping, as well as sharing six of their seasonal highlights to get you started.
What Are Chillable Reds?
While there are technically no set parameters as to what makes something a chillable red, this style of wine is generally produced from high-acid, low-tannin red grapes—think Pinot Noir, Dolcetto, Gamay, and beyond. These grapes yield light to medium-bodied wines, which come to life when served with a slight chill.
Why Are Chillable Reds & Rosé Similar?
Chillable reds and rosé wines are similar for a few reasons, namely in terms of body and structure. Both styles of wines are refreshing and fruit forward, and are marked by moderate to high levels of acidity and low to absent levels of tannins. Wines with these structures benefit from being served slightly chilled to chilled, as their acidity and palate-cleansing nature are amplified at cooler temperatures (bubbles included!)
Why Are Chillable Reds & Rosé Great for Fall?
While chillable reds and rosé are both solid choices for year-round sipping, these styles of wine are perfect seasonal picks for cooler weather days—especially in moments where the daytime sun is strong, the nights are cool, and the slight chill in the air matches the temperature of the wine in the glass. Whether lounging in a sweater on the deck after a long day at work or gathered around an outdoor fire pit with friends and loved ones, both chillable reds and rosés will provide a warm-yet-refreshing sensation synonymous with the autumn season.
Are Chillable Reds & Rosé Food Friendly?Absolutely—in fact, these two types of wine are perhaps the most food-friendly styles out there. Call us a broken record, but it all comes back to what we mentioned above: high acidity, low levels of tannins, and overall fruit forwardness. The vibrant acidity found in these wines will keep your palate quenched and salivated, preparing you for the next bite of food ahead, while their low levels of tannins and overall fruit forwardness will eschew excessive dryness, while simultaneously pairing well with a variety of flavors found in a myriad of dishes.
Thus, it goes without saying that chillable reds and rosé are surefire picks for your Thanksgiving Day table. From turkey and mashed potatoes to stuffing, “hard-to-pair” vegetables, and beyond, chillable reds and rosé will amplify flavors found in all foods across the table, with their crowd-pleasing nature as the cherry on top. Not sure where to begin? Our team’s got a few selections.
Amista Vineyards Favorite NV Brut Rosé Sparkling Grenache (Dry Creek Valley, California, USA)
Aromas of red fruit and raspberry with nice lemon zest and salted plum notes. Very nice fruit on the palate with bright red berry notes, orange rind, lemon zest, and very balanced acidity on the finish.
Cellar Beast Winehouse Rosé of Cabernet Franc 2022 (Yakima Valley, Washington, USA)
In the aroma it offers stone fruit of peaches and nectarines on the palate this wine shows an amazing creamy structure to the mouthfeel and a crisp finish.
Alexana Winery Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir 2023 (Dundee Hills, Oregon, USA)
On the nose, notes of persimmon, cherry cordial, strawberry and kiwi. On the palate, tightly structured with notes of raspberry, persimmon and lime. Lengthy finish.
Authentique Wine Cellars ‘Authentique’ Keeler Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 (Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, USA)
Dark fruit, dense compact tannin, complex and long. Picked just ripe, fermentations made in upright oak cuve, 600L & 500L rotary demi muid and puncheons, Italian Amphorae and stainless steel. 20% whole cluster and 40% new extra fine grain French Oak. A transparent reflection of my family's organic and biodynamic farmed grapes at Keeler Estate Vineyard.
Paradise Springs Winery Pinot Noir Sanford and Benedict 2019 (Sta. Rita Hills, California, USA)
The wine has a deep garnet color and is strong with earthy aromas of mushroom, tart fruits like blueberry, and subtle toasty notes. On the palate the wine has a bright acidity followed by a firm mid-palate with candied fruit flavors, and ends with a touch of cocoa powder.
