Domenico Winery + Osteria

With Fall around the corner, it’s time to start changing up your wines to suit the change of season. September seems to be staying quite warm, but we know October is when things start to change. So, why not get excited about all the wines to explore as the seasons change? We’ll get you started – here are 7 fantastic Fall wines we will be sipping this Fall.

Here is our list of 7 fantastic Fall wines to try!

Merlot

Merlot is a medium-bodied French wine but now produced all over the world. That said, it’s character can vary. Generally, Merlot has soft tannins and flavors of plum, cherry, and chocolate. It’s a natural pick for the incredible mushrooms that arrive in the Fall and can also make a lovely combination with roast root veggies and meat-based pasta dishes.

We love Domenico Winery’s Livermore Valley Merlot, with its velvety notes of mocha and tobacco. It is perfect for a Fall evening, paired with your favorite burger or Fall mushroom dishes.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a versatile red wine that works well with many autumn dishes, from roasted poultry to earthy mushroom dishes. Its lighter body and red fruit flavors make it a great choice for transitional weather.

Domenico Winery’s delicious Pinot Noir is currently out of stock. But, stay tuned as this popular wine will be back with a brand-new vintage soon!

Cabernet Sauvignon

As the weather cools, a hearty 

Cabernet Sauvignon can be a comforting choice. Its bold flavors of dark fruit, oak, and spice make it an ideal companion for hearty stews, grilled meats, and aged cheeses.

The Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon from Domenico Winery is singing this Fall, with its aromas of ripe plum, blackcurrant, cardamom, and toffee. What we love about this Cab is how it retains that beautiful herbaceous element, even being a little peppery, making it fantastic for an autumn steak night!

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a natural pick for the richness of autumn cuisine. This goes especially for those with a slightly oaked profile, which has more buttery or brioche-like notes. It complements any roasted squash or pumpkin dishes. It is also a delicious pairing for roasted chicken and creamy soups or pastas.

Domenico Winery’s Santa Cruz Chardonnay is precisely the Fall white wine you’re looking for. Both fermented and aged in barrel, this Chardonnay has the acidity of a crisp apple with an irresistible finish of hazelnut and butterscotch. The best part is it can work with sweet or savory – it goes perfectly with all those buttery sauces or even paired with an apple pie ala mode!

Riesling

If you prefer white wines, a slightly off-dry Riesling can be an excellent choice for fall. Its sweetness balances the season’s heartier dishes, and its acidity pairs well with spicy foods and dishes with a touch of sweetness, like glazed ham or butternut squash.

Luckily, Domenico Winery released a silky Late Harvest Riesling that makes the best pairing for a full-loaded cheese board (or baked potato with maple smoked bacon!) It also goes easily with fondue, for a Swiss twist on a chilly Fall evening.

Barbera

This Italian red wine – hailing from Piedmont – gives you those cozy trattoria vibes you want to feel on a cool October day. Barbera is known for its deceptively deep color – it is actually a very easygoing red wine, with fantastic acidity that pairs with your favorite ragù or stewed Fall meats.

What is even more exciting is that Barbera is also produced in California. A must-try is Domenico Winery’s Barbera, putting a little Cal-Italia twist on this classic Italian red. It’s rich and spicy, but still keeps to Barbera’s approachable nature, pairing it with a mega Fall-inspired Italian meal!

Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah, known as Shiraz in Australia, is a bold and full-bodied red wine that welcomes fall (and pie season!) with open arms. With flavors of blackberries, black pepper, and spices, it’s an excellent choice for cool autumn evenings and pairs nicely with hearty dishes like lamb, beef stew, or grilled sausages.

Domenico Winery’s 2019 Amador County Syrah is an excellent pick for those who want to try a wine with elements of both a French Syrah and an Australian Shiraz. It’s robust but elegant. And, it’s a special wine – the grapes are grown in winemaker Dominick’s own vineyard in the Sierra Foothills.

We hope you enjoyed these 7 fantastic Fall wines. Of course, personal taste preferences vary, so don’t hesitate to explore different varietals and styles to find the wines that best suit your palate and complement your fall meals. Remember – Domenico Winery is always here to help make your search for the perfect wine easier (with tastings available too!)

Enjoy your autumn wine adventures!