Uncorked DC: Autumn Wines

September 25, 2008 by Danielle  Send to a Friend

I see you there, DC.
You’re standing in the alcohol aisle at the Giant in Columbia Heights, freezing in fear (literally), deciding on a wine for that evening. Your friend said “bring a bottle of wine” – what the hell does that mean? Red? White? Christ, and it comes in pink too?

Don’t fear. I’m going to help debunk wine, make it more accessible, and give you hints and tips about buying wine, drinking wine, tasting wine, where to get free wine, pairing wine with food, and wine bars in DC. I’ll denounce (most) wine snobbery and help you find good and inexpensive wine, preferably under $15. Everyone’s getting into wine it seems, and it can be overwhelming, particularly when you’re in the presence of intimidating wine stewards and store snobs. Sometimes it seems that anyone who has ever worked at a wine store, leafed through The Wine Bible at Borders, or put Sideways on their Netflix queue will instantly decry any bottle you choose, no matter the price, and declare that you’re wrong because “(insert wine here) is CLEARLY superior to (insert wine here).”

(In full disclosure, I should say I am a wine snob simply for the fact that Yellowtail will never grace my table and if it does, I’ve been dead for weeks. I’m okay being a wine snob in this regard. However, I will never discriminate against a bottle due to price, color, varietal, or tacky label on the front.)

Here are three picks for fall that would be great accompanying a sumptuous meal, a raucous dinner party, or an evening of basic cable.

Fabulous Fall Wines

We’ve now hit the glorious time in DC where the nights are cooler, the omnipresent haze is lifting, and I can comfortably wear knee high boots again. This means that it’s time for a nice, smooth, medium-bodied bottle of wine to ease us into crisper weather and someone else’s pants.

First up: Ruché (pronounced ru-kay).

This is my favorite fall wine, hands down. I love this varietal (for reference: a varietal is the type of grape, like Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc) because it’s lighter in body than other reds such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Mad Dog 20/20, but is by no means a weak wine. It’s medium-bodied with notes of plum on the nose and smooth, rich black raspberry on the finish. What I love about this and most Italian reds from the Piedmont region (or Piemonte, for those who took Italian in high school or just watched a lot of The Godfather) is that they’re a very reliable, safe bet for dinner parties because they appeal to those who don’t drink red wine and those who swear by it. Even better, you can find this around town for about $11. One to try: Il Cavilare Ruché, $11.

Next: Cabernet Franc.

Long regarded as merely a blending grape in Bordeaux, this one is amazing when grown in Virginia. It makes an excellent fall wine because 1.) it’s rich in flavor without tasting “green” (some Cabernet Francs can taste like green pepper. Seriously.) 2.) it’s not overly oaky and has just the right amount of tannins to taste like wine and not like fruit juice. Since it’s a bit fickle to grow and can taste so wildly different from bottle to bottle, it’s disregarded in many circles. I however love this disrespected grape. One to try: White Hall Vineyards Cabernet Franc, $15 at Harris Teeter and Whole Foods.

White: Oregon Pinot Gris.

Oregon has produced some awesome things (The Thermals) and some not-so-awesome things (Courtney Love). File wine under “awesome”. The Willamette Valley produces some of the best wines in America. It’s not the cheapest I’ve recommended – it easily surpasses $20, and we’re in a recession people! – but it’s worth the price. The Pinot Gris is smooth, richly flavored, refreshing, and goes really well with most mildly spiced Indian or Thai food. One to try: Dobbes Pinot Gris, $25.

 Send to a Friend