As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s something undeniably comforting about cozying up with a warm, hearty meal. Fall is a season of change and celebration, marked by rich, flavorful dishes that bring warmth and nostalgia. Whether it’s a slow-cooked stew, a roasted root vegetable medley, or a pumpkin-infused dessert, autumn meals call for the perfect wine to complete the experience. We offer a range of varietals that are perfect for pairing with these quintessential fall dishes.
Let’s explore how to pair some of our best wines with classic fall comfort foods, elevating your seasonal dining experience. From robust reds to crisp whites, there’s a Latah Creek wine for every autumnal dish. So, grab a glass, settle in, and let’s dive into the magic of wine and food pairing for fall!
Chardonnay and Butternut Squash Soup
Nothing says fall quite like a creamy butternut squash soup. Its silky texture, combined with sweet, nutty flavors, makes it an ideal comfort food for chilly days. To complement this rich, hearty dish, Chardonnay is a perfect match. The wine’s subtle notes of tropical fruit and a hint of citrus provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet and creamy soup.
Chardonnay has enough acidity to cut through the richness of the squash while enhancing its delicate flavors. The oaked style of Chardonnay, which brings out slight vanilla and spice notes, pairs beautifully with the warmth of the dish, offering a smooth and balanced experience. Whether you’re making a simple squash soup or adding ingredients like sage and pancetta, this pairing brings out the best in both the food and the wine.
Merlot and Beef Stew
Beef stew is a fall staple, with its tender meat, savory broth, and root vegetables simmered to perfection. A dish this hearty demands a wine that can stand up to its robust flavors, and Merlot is an excellent choice. With its medium body, soft tannins, and flavors of dark berries and plum, Merlot provides the perfect complement to the depth and richness of the stew.
The wine’s subtle hints of oak and spice, combined with its fruit-forward nature, enhance the savory and earthy notes of the beef stew. Whether your recipe leans toward traditional flavors or incorporates modern twists like red wine-based sauces, this pairing offers a cozy and satisfying balance. A glass of Merlot with a bowl of steaming beef stew is the epitome of fall comfort, creating a delightful warmth that mirrors the season itself.
Riesling and Roasted Root Vegetables
Fall is the season for earthy, roasted root vegetables like carrots, beets, and sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness and caramelized edges make them a perfect side dish for any autumn meal. To complement these flavors, try our Riesling. Known for its crisp acidity and fruity notes, Riesling pairs wonderfully with the earthy sweetness of roasted vegetables.
Riesling, with its delicate flavors of peach, apricot, and citrus, balances the richness of roasted root vegetables without overpowering them. The slight sweetness of the wine highlights the natural sugars in the vegetables, while the acidity keeps the pairing fresh and light. This is an ideal combination for those seeking a lighter, yet still deeply satisfying, fall meal. Pair it with a Sunday roast or enjoy it on its own with a medley of roasted veggies—either way, it’s a match made in fall heaven.
Petit Verdot and Roasted Lamb
For those looking to indulge in something a bit more decadent this fall, roasted lamb is a great option. The bold, savory flavors of lamb call for an equally bold wine, and Petit Verdot delivers. Known for its deep, dark fruit flavors, rich tannins, and full body, Petit Verdot is a perfect partner for roasted lamb dishes.
The wine’s complexity, with notes of blackberries, leather, and a hint of spice, enhances the rich and gamey flavors of the lamb. Whether you’re serving a traditional roast leg of lamb or experimenting with lamb chops and rosemary, the intensity of Petit Verdot ensures that the wine doesn’t get lost in the boldness of the meat. This pairing offers a luxurious and warming experience that’s perfect for a special fall dinner.
Red Blend and Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin is the star ingredient of fall, and when combined with creamy risotto, it creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. For a dish as rich and creamy as pumpkin risotto, a well-rounded wine like Red Blend provides the perfect balance. The blend’s fruit-forward nature, combined with soft tannins and a hint of spice, complements the sweet, earthy flavors of the pumpkin while cutting through the creaminess of the risotto.
The blend’s layers of blackberry, plum, and spice marry beautifully with the risotto’s savory pumpkin and Parmesan flavors. The wine’s complexity enhances the dish without overwhelming it, making this pairing a standout for any fall dinner. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, pumpkin risotto paired with a Red Blend is an unforgettable fall treat.
Fall is a season filled with warmth, nostalgia, and the promise of cozy nights in. As the flavors of autumn comfort foods come alive, it’s essential to find the right wine to complement those dishes and bring out their best qualities. Whether you’re sipping a glass of crisp Riesling alongside roasted vegetables or indulging in a rich Petit Verdot with roasted lamb, Latah Creek Winery has the perfect wine for every fall meal.
By exploring these pairings, you can create an experience that is not only satisfying but also elevates the flavors of both the food and the wine. This fall, take a moment to savor the warmth of the season and the beauty of wine, whether it’s enjoyed with family, friends, or simply a good book by the fire!
Cheers,
Natalie