For about six years I have attempted to get folks to fall for New Jersey wines. I know I have. As much as we summer lovers may not want to hear this, it is almost fall in New Jersey. I know fall does not arrive officially until September 22, but more informally, for many people, summer ends with Labor Day weekend. With both themes in mind (falling for NJ wine and fall NJ wines), I thought I would recommend a few New Jersey wines to enjoy with the cooling temperatures and the coloring of leaves.
So what wines come to mind when you think of cooler weather? For me, I start to lean toward red wines and white wines with a little more body. If a light Pinot Grigio or perhaps a light Sangiovese say summer, then a more full-bodied white like Viognier or a full-bodied red like a Syrah might be apropos. Don’t get me wrong, I still want my wine to pair with my food, but the weather (especially temperature), plays a part in my wine choices. But even food choices may start to change. You may see less fish on the menu and more meats. I know my white wines seem to disappear more quickly in the summer than in the cooler months and I find myself reaching a bit more often for a red wine. This is much like how I enjoy a Porter or Stout a bit more in cooler weather, while I will have an IPA or Pale Ale more often in the hotter months.
I just enjoy wine and aspire to be a wine drinker for all seasons. Here are a few of my suggestions for the fall…
Fall for NJ white wine, like…
- Viognier-William Heritage Winery and Autumn Lake Winery makes very good Viogniers. Unfortunately, I have none in my cellar.
- Albarino-You’re in luck. NJ has several excellent Albarinos to choose from. My favorites are from Autumn Lake, Hawk Haven Vineyards, White Horse Winery, and Turdo Vineyards. I seem to have depleted my supply of NJ Albarino over the summer, as well.
- Pinot Gris-If you still want a Pinot Grigio, consider Old York Cellars Pinot Gris-It is made in the French style and has a bit more body than the typical Pinot Grigio.
- Turdo Vineyards Grillo-The only place in the country where you can buy a Grillo that is grown and produced is at Turdo Vineyards. This great white has more body than Pinot Grigio, but pairs well with similar foods. It is not a Pinot Grigio. It is a unique white wine with roots in Sicily and expertly grown and produced at Turdo Vineyards.
Fall for NJ red wine, like…
- Cabernet Franc-It’s a great wine with barbecues. A great way to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. My favorites are at White Horse Winery, Hawk Haven Vineyards, Working Dog Winery, and Beneduce Vineyards.
- Blaufrankisch-With its deeper color, rich body, and a touch of smokiness, this one will rock grilled meat on the BBQ. My favorites are at Beneduce Vineyards, Cedar Rose Winery, Autumn Lake Winery, and Terra Nonno Winery.
- Merlot-Smooth and a little more body than some reds. My favorites can be found at Working Dog Winery; Willow Creek Vineyards; Tomasello Winery (Palmaris Reserve); and Autumn Lake Winery.
- Syrah-My favorites are at Unionville Vineyards, Cape May Winery, and Hawk Haven Vineyards.
You will notice that I have not included Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. This was deliberate, as I continue to encourage folks to try some less common wines, while enjoying the change in seasons. When in doubt, I still love Pinot Noir during every season, as well. Unfortunately, I presently have no New Jersey Pinot Noir.
Fall for a sweeter NJ wine, like…
When I think of fall apples and cider (and cider doughnuts) often come to mind. It’s a great time to pick apples, enjoy an apple pie, or perhaps drink a wine that fits the mood and your sweet tooth. We have recently been enjoying the peaches from our favorite local farm market (Duffield’s in Sewell). Their peaches have been great. So, here are two wines that fit the bill here:
- Wagonhouse Winery Autumn Goddess-I don’t have a bottle in my cellar, but love this wine with an Apple Cider doughnut from Duffield’s Farm Market.
- Sharrott Winery Just Peachy Sangria-A perfect sunset and a tasty after dinner drink to welcome the fall season.
- Auburn Road Vineyards-Give Peace a Chance-Another great peach-based dessert wine that says, good-bye summer; hello fall.
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- Lower Forge Brewery in Medford
- Angelico Winery in Lambertville
- An interview with a Wine Professional
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