Wine Picks for September
With suntans fading and sandals reluctantly stowed, it’s time to pull out the football and flannels – right? Not necessarily. Often a rollercoaster of temperamental weather patterns, fall’s first few months in Tennessee can be just as frustrating for dress as for dining and drink. Denim or dresses? Salads or stews? Whites or reds?
Whether you’re serving up your best new fall recipes or clinging tightly to the last of summer’s fare, here are a few must-have wines to match anything and everything this September.
1. Sparking Rosé
What fun is pairing if you don’t break the rules? Sparkling is not just for celebration and pink wine is not just for summer scorchers. In fact, sparkling rosé is unequivocally versatile in any season. Use of skin contact with red grapes during production gives the wine enough muscle to stand up to meats, while the fine bubbles preserve its delicate texture, letting it sparkle alongside cheeses, veggies, or light soups.
Try...
Louis de Grenelle Saumur Sparkling Rosé NV
Loire Valley, France
$19.99
Pair this with Edible's Three Tomato Salad with Creamy Artichoke Chicken Salad & Watermelon Ribs
2. Gruner Veltliner
High acid and full of energy, Austria’s all-star white is made for September temperature swings. Clean and refreshing, structured and mineral, Gruner lets you feel like summer and eat like fall. Known for its citrus, stone, and signature white pepper aromas, pour this wine with fresh salads, fall greens, denser fish like cod or catfish, and – the kicker – anything fried. Its vibrant acidity with cut through even Loveless Café’s crispiest fried chicken.
Try...
Gobelsburger Kamptal Gruner Veltliner 2014
Kamptal, Austria
$17.99
Pair this with Edible's Lady Pea Salad with Pesto & Smoked Salmon Crostini
3. Lightly Oaked Chardonnay
For those who prefer a slightly richer white but cringe at the thought of butter-bomb Chardonnay, try an unoaked or slightly oaked option. Chards seeing just a touch of wood can offer wines that are savory and satisfying yet still youthful and bright. Think Marilyn Monroe – curvy but chic. These rounded but elegant whites work beautifully both as a solo tailgate sipper as well as with savory sandwiches, various hors d’oeuvres, chicken, pastas, and potato salads.
Try...
Calmel-Joseph Chardonnay 2014
Pays d’Oc, France
$14.99
Pair this with Edible's Pasta Carbonara with Farm Eggs & Fresh Corn Chowder with Feta and Roasted Tomatoes
4. French Pinot Noir
With picnics, fire pits, and football to kick off the fall, French-style Pinot Noir lends the perfect balance of playfulness and rusticity. Typically lighter in body with less bold fruit than their California counterparts, French Pinot brings a slight earthy grip in a bright, easy-drinking package. A fail-safe pairing wine at unmatchable value, sip a regular Bourgogne Rouge with mushrooms, stews, smoked BBQ, and bean dishes.
Try...
Tramier & Fils Roncier Pinot Noir NV
Burgundy, France
$11.99
Pair this with Edible's Slow Cooked Pork Shoulder & Panzanella Salad
5. Cabernet Franc
The oft forgotten father of super-star grape, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc offers Cab Sauv-like flavors with a bit more graceful stature. It’s fruity without being jammy, earthy without being rough, and delivers a smoother, subtler texture than its typically tannin-packed offspring. Pair with hearty pastas, root vegetables (fabulous with eggplant of any sort!), grilled dishes, and sliders.
Try...
Marcato Colli Berici Cabernet Franc 2014
Veneto, Italy
$13.99
Pair this with Edible's Rustic Ratatouille Tart & Double Pesto Zucchini Noodles
