As the leaves begin to change, and there’s a hint of crispness in the air, it’s clear that autumn is arriving. This season brings a beautiful transformation to the world of wine, as we shift our preferences from the light and airy to the rich and robust. At Latah Creek, we understand the magic that happens when wine meets the essence of fall, and we’re excited to share our top red wine picks to make your autumn gatherings truly exceptional.

Autumn is a time of harvest, celebration, and warmth. It’s the perfect season to savor the bold flavors and complex aromas of red wines that complement the changing culinary landscape. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or simply enjoying a glass by the fire, our selection of red wines is carefully curated to enhance the beauty of this season.

Join us on a journey through the vineyards and cellars of Latah Creek Winery as we introduce you to our favorite red wines for autumn. From the rich Merlot to the spicy Syrah and classic Cabernet Sauvignon, our wines are a reflection of the season’s elegance and charm. So, let’s raise our glasses to the joys of fall and the pleasure of sipping into the season!

I. Rich and Robust: Latah Creek Merlot

When it comes to embracing the flavors of fall, Merlot is a delightful place to start. Merlot is known for its softness and approach-ability, making it a versatile choice for autumnal pairings, and it boasts a rich and robust character that’s perfect for sipping into the season.

• Flavor Profile: Merlot is characterized by its velvety texture and notes of dark cherry, plum, and a hint of cocoa. These flavors come together to create a wine that’s both smooth and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a wine that mirrors the comforting warmth of fall.
• Pairing Suggestions: Pairing Merlot with your favorite fall dishes is a true delight. Try it with roasted duck, grilled lamb, or a hearty mushroom risotto. The wine’s fruity notes complement the earthy flavors of autumn ingredients beautifully.
• Occasions: Merlot is perfect for intimate gatherings around a crackling fireplace or as an accompaniment to a rustic, homemade stew. Its versatility makes it suitable for both casual get togethers and special occasions.
• Tasting Experience: As you savor Merlot, you’ll notice a smooth and medium-bodied wine that caresses the palate. Its gentle tannins and balanced acidity make it an easy choice for those looking to ease into the world of red wines.

II. Bold and Spicy: Latah Creek Reserve Syrah

As autumn leaves start to fall, it’s time to embrace the bolder flavors of the season. Syrah is the perfect choice for those seeking a wine with a bit of spice and a lot of character. This red wine is known for its boldness and complexity, making it a delightful companion for autumn’s hearty cuisine.

• Flavor Profile: Syrah is a wine that packs a punch. With notes of blackberry, black pepper, and a touch of smokiness, it delivers a rich and spicy flavor profile. The wine’s complexity unfolds with each sip, offering a journey of taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Pairing Suggestions: Syrah is renowned for its ability to complement robust, flavorful dishes. Pair it with grilled meats, spicy barbecue, or a charcuterie board filled with cured meats and aged cheeses. The wine’s boldness stands up well to intense flavors.
• Occasions: Syrah is tailor-made for gatherings where you want to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner party or simply indulging in a cozy night in, Syrah adds a layer of sophistication to any occasion.
• Tasting Experience: Expect a wine with a full body and firm tannins that give it a structured feel. The spicy notes add intrigue to the overall tasting experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a wine with depth.

III. Classic Elegance: Latah Creek Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

As the autumn foliage paints the landscape with rich, deep hues, it’s time to savor the classic elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is the embodiment of sophistication, with a timeless appeal that’s perfect for the fall season.

• Flavor Profile: Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its rich, dark fruit flavors. Expect to taste blackcurrant, plum, and a hint of cedar. The wine’s aging in oak barrels imparts a subtle vanilla and spice note, adding complexity to each sip.
• Pairing Suggestions: Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure and depth make it an ideal partner for hearty fall dishes. Pair it with grilled steaks, roast lamb, or a mushroom risotto. Its tannins and acidity cut through the richness of these dishes, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Occasions: This wine is tailor-made for elegant gatherings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or hosting a candlelit dinner for two, Cabernet Sauvignon adds an air of refinement to any event.
• Tasting Experience: When you sip Cabernet Sauvignon, you’ll notice its full body and well-defined tannins. The wine’s balance of fruitiness and oak influence provides a velvety, long-lasting finish that lingers on the palate.

IV. Smooth and Approachable: Latah Creek Mike’s Reserve Red Blend

Transitioning into autumn doesn’t always require bold and robust wines. Sometimes, you crave something smoother and more approachable, like a Red Blend. This versatile wine bridges the gap between summer and fall, offering a delightful sipping experience.

• Flavor Profile: Red Blends combine the best characteristics of different red varietals to create a harmonious and balanced profile. Expect to savor red berry notes like cherry and raspberry, complemented by subtle hints of spice and vanilla.
• Pairing Suggestions: This wine’s versatility shines when paired with a range of dishes. Enjoy it with grilled chicken, pasta with tomato-based sauces, or even a Margherita pizza. Its soft tannins and bright acidity make it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
• Occasions: Red Blends are perfect for relaxed autumn get togethers. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic, having friends over for a casual dinner, or simply unwinding after a long day, this wine adds a touch of sophistication to your moments.
• Tasting Experience: What sets this wine apart is its smooth and easy-drinking nature. It offers a medium body with a pleasant, lingering finish. The interplay of fruit and spice notes ensures that each sip is a delightful experience.

V. Earthy and Complex: Latah Creek Malbec

When the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisper, a wine with depth and complexity can be truly satisfying. Malbec is your ideal companion for the transition into fall. With its rich character, it captures the essence of the season.

• Flavor Profile: Malbec is known for its bold and robust flavors. Expect to encounter dark fruit notes like plum and blackberry, accompanied by earthy undertones and a hint of spice. This wine offers layers of complexity that evolve as you savor each sip.
• Pairing Suggestions: This wine’s bold nature pairs wonderfully with hearty autumn fare. Try it with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a flavorful stew. The wine’s earthy notes complement savory dishes and bring out their best flavors.
• Occasions: As you welcome fall, gatherings with friends and family become more frequent. Malbec adds sophistication to these moments. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this wine elevates the experience.
• Tasting Experience: The complexity of Malbec is a highlight. It offers a full-bodied experience with well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and satisfying, making it a wine to savor slowly.

As the vibrant colors of summer fade into the warm and rustic hues of autumn, your wine choices should reflect this transition. We offer a selection of red wines that beautifully encapsulate the essence of the season. From the rich and robust Merlot to the earthy and complex Malbec, these wines are your companions for embracing fall.

With each bottle, you embark on a journey through the flavors and aromas that define this time of year. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening by the fire, hosting a harvest gathering, or simply sipping wine while admiring the changing leaves, Latah Creek’s red wines elevate your autumn experience.

Savor the richness, depth, and complexity of the season with wines that are crafted to perfection. Explore these red wine selections and create unforgettable moments as you embrace fall’s arrival. Cheers to a season filled with warmth, flavor, and the simple joys of life!

Cheers,
Natalie