Top 5 Fall Wines this Season
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, there’s no better time to enjoy wines that capture the essence of the season. For many of us at Gabriel-Glas the flavors of Fall lend themselves to an often overlooked category of wines: Chillable Reds. These are lighter bodied reds with lower tannin, that are fruit-forward with a touch of spice that are served slightly chilled (around 50-60°F). Their unique flavor profile makes them the perfect pairing for the wide range of Autumn’s cuisine…pumpkin spice and all.
Gabriel-Glas Fall Sip Picks
No matter which wine you’re pouring this fall, Gabriel-Glas is designed to elevate the experience. With its universal shape, the elegant crystal glass unlocks the full aroma and flavour of any wine of your fall wine favorites, be they sparkling, white, rose, or chillable reds. Here are some of our favorites from California’s wine country.
1. LOLA Counoise
Proprietor Seth Cripe makes uncommonly vibrant wines that straddle the line between eclectic and traditional. His approach is farming-first with sustainability forefront and an ambition that seeks to preserve all-but-extinct varieties such as his infinitely crushable light red: Counoise. A variety from the south of France, Seth’s is “bursting with blueberry and cranberry aromas and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Bright acidity and soft tannins carry through to a juicy, fruit-forward finish. A lively, light-bodied red—perfect served with a chill.”
2. No Love Lost Wine Co. “Chillable Red”
No Love Lost Wine Company led by the bursting-with-smiles Jay Nunez is a master at making wines that are both raw and refined all at once. A fellow fan of the category, Jay makes a wine that is right on target for Autumn…a wine he simply calls “Chillable Red.”
“Inspired by old-school California field blends the Chillable Red features mainly Grenache and Counoise and is rounded out by Mencia and Carignan. Bright and versatile, it’s the ultimate year-round red. Bursting with fresh cherries, pomegranate,rhubarb, and a layer of toasty aromas.” Drink it chilled for a crisp and refreshing experience, or at room temperature to savor its warm, spiced undertones.
3. Frog’s Leap “Flycather”
The venerable Frog’s Leap is one of the original organic farmers of the Napa Valley, first being certified back in 1988. Back then they were considered renegades for their rejection of the “status quo” and their belief that were better wines to be made through better farming. Their renegade spirit has never waned and can be seen clearly in their pitch-perfect chillable red: Flycatcher.
“Generous but up-tempo fruitiness from the Zinfandel meets some serious backbone and savory depth from the Tempranillo, Merlot and Petite Sirah. The soft, friendly drinkability of Cinsault provides lift, keeping the strong personalities in balance, and spicy, floral Syrah shuts down the party. Layered but eminently drinkable, the ‘23 is best served at a cool cellar temperature, around 55F.”
4. Jolie-Laide Gamay Noir
Jolie-Laide is renowned for crafting rare and fascinating wines that are naturally made by winemakers Scott and Jenny Schultz. In a range of standout wines, Gamay is one of their favorites–and ours–prized for its light, delicate, aromatic qualities, and absolute chillability.
“After harvesting, the clusters are left whole and undergo carbonic maceration for several days followed by foot crushing and whole cluster fermentation, allowing a balance between the vibrant fruit aromatics, depth, and structure. Aged for six months in neutral barrique, preserving its freshness, complexity, and character. Light, fresh, and utterly charming. Wild strawberry, summer herbs, savory wet earth with a crushed rock minerality throughout. 12% ABV”
5. Matthiasson Refosco
Owners/Farmers/Winemakers Jill and Steve Matthiasson are known far and wide for their genuine love of all things vineyard and wine. Sure they make the “Napa Classics” of outstanding Chardonnay and refined Cabernet Sauvignon, but it their love of grape varieties on the edge of extinction that captures our hearts. Case in point: Refosco. Defined by its balance between fruitiness and earthiness, and soft tannins it is marked by notes of brambly fruit, plums, graphite, and lots of black and white pepper.
“This is a wine for lovers of the Northern Rhone, Cru Beaujolais, Nebbiolo from Alto Piedmonte, or Mencia from Galicia. It epitomizes the earthy/fruity balance and lifted aromatics that just tastes so good. RECOMMENDED PAIRINGS: All things Thanksgiving”
- Matthiasson Napa Valle Refosco
Try Our Fall Picks with Gabriel-Glas
As you prepare for crisp evenings, hearty meals, and gatherings with friends and family, these wines are the perfect companions to bring warmth and flavour to your table. Paired with the universal elegance of Gabriel-Glas, every sip becomes an elevated experience that celebrates the season. Raise a glass to autumn and savour the richness it brings.
Our StandArt Machine-Blown Universal Wine Glass has been voted the best all around universal wine glass and is seamlessly designed to enhance all wines. The Gold Edition for people that enjoy the finer things in life. This glass is artisan crafted with one piece of crystal, completely hand blown and feather-light. If you are looking for a stemless version of the glass, our DrinkArt glass is crafted with the same bowl and features that we know and love in our StandArt glass.
