As visions of sweaters and bonfires creep into my thoughts - sours turn to stouts, and gin gives way to bourbon; I pause and think of white wine drinkers. What do they drink when the weather cools and patios shutter? Alas, all is not lost for lovers of white wine, my research shows there are wines with golden hues perfect for prairie sunsets and warm fires.
I'm certain that there are some readers who believe that drinking white wine after Labor Day is just as unacceptable as wearing white, but if you're someone who likes to break the rules, here are some white wines that you can try as the leaves change from green to gold.
Viognier (vee-own-nay) is a Southern French grape. This delectable fruit offers flavors of honeysuckle blended with peaches and vanilla. Viognier is a dry and oily white wine that is best enjoyed when young. It is bolder and more complex than summer whites, making it a perfect pairing for the Fall season. It goes well with dishes like turkey, creamy cheeses such as brie, and spicy foods.
Roussanne (rooh-sahn) is another grape from Southern France. It is often blended with Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, or Viognier. These wines are full-bodied and creamy with notes of citrus, stone fruit, honey, and baked bread. If this doesn’t scream autumn, I don’t know what does! While delicious on its own, Roussanne is incredible with creamy pasta, lobster, or fried chicken.
Skip the apple cider and say no to a PSL! Instead grab a glass of Chenin Blanc filled with notes of quine, yellow apple, and chamomile. The crisp orchard fruit notes of this wine elevate your pumpkin carving adventures and add flair to autumn nights on the patio.
Autumn MOSCATO PUNCH (perfect for Brunch)
2 cups cranberry juice
1 cup pomegranate juice
12 oz ginger beer
4 oz triple sec
1.5 liter Moscato Wine
Ice
Fresh orange slices, cranberries, and rosemary for garnish
Add cranberry juice, pomegranate juice, ginger beer, triple sec, and wine to a large pitcher. Stir to mix well. Place an orange slice in a wine glass. Fill with ice, top with Moscato punch. Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary.
Caramel Apple Wine Slushies
750 ml bottle of Pinot Grigio
2 cups of fresh apple cider
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 oz caramel vodka
2 oz apple liqueur
Apple slices for garnish
Divide pinot grigio between two ice cube trays; freeze until solid.
Place wine cubes in a blender along with apple cider, sugar, vodka, and liqueur. Blend just until combined, but still a bit frozen. Serve immediately. Garnish with apple slices.
Black Sangria Perfect For Halloween
1 bottle of dark red wine
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup simple syrup
3 black plums, sliced
1 cup black grapes
8 ounces blackberries
1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale, use ginger ale for a sweeter sangria.
Add everything into a pitcher and mix with a large spoon.
Let it sit in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. The longer it sits the darker the plums become.
Best to keep it in the fridge. Enjoy!!!