October is here, the first full month of Fall and I’m reasonably sure I’ll hear more about what a wet winter we are having even though winter will not be here until December. Unless you are in grade school where you are reminded regularly that Fall is here, and you are making pictures or cut-outs of brown maple leaves and the like, most people start thinking winter in October. Fall is the forgotten season and it’s too bad. Spring by far is my favorite season, but Fall is pretty cool (no pun intended) as well. The leaves change to brilliant hues of red, orange and gold. The rains come back after a dry summer bringing the vibrant green back to the grass and shrubs. Fall is also a transition time for most wine drinkers. Instead of a Rose`, they start shopping for Pinot Noir, Cabs, Zinfandel and other reds. Instead of lighter whites, a lot of wine drinkers start hunting for a full-bodied Chardonnay. It’s fun to watch, especially when I see Italian wines start to take off in full force along with French and Spanish wines. The main reason for this, of course, is what’s on the menu. Comfort foods appear on the table more often and certainly, the aforementioned wines are a perfect match. One thing I ask as a wine guy is, please do not give up on Rose`.
Rose` is such a versatile food wine and I believe that unless there is a sun ball in the sky and warm temperatures, most give up on this wine. Tavel is a classic example of Rose` that goes with comfort foods. A little darker in color with a meaty texture on the palate that gives it more substance than most of its siblings. Tavel is an appellation in the southern Rhone Valley of France that is dedicated almost entirely to Rose`. Grenache and Cinsault are the main grapes used along with Syrah and Mourvedre. Because of its longer contact with the skins giving it a darker color, more tannins and structure, it can be matched with heavier fare such as roast, baked chicken, ham or pork. Personally, I’ve enjoyed a couple of glasses of Tavel Rose` with grilled steak. You can find some very good examples of this wine in the fifteen dollar range, making it a very affordable alternative. So, do me a favor and add Tavel to your list of wines for the Fall, you will not be disappointed.
Susie and I are getting married Friday and we are both very excited. My talented daughter is making the cake and my talented son is putting together the food for the reception. I really appreciate their efforts and willingness to contribute such important parts of the celebration. Shyla is a great baker and as everyone on the island knows, Micah can put together a mean spread of food. He is highly respected for his talents. Susie and I are lucky to have both of them in our camp. It seems like yesterday that Susie and I had our first date and here it is over two and a half years later. We have traveled the globe together and we are very much in love. It is a fantastic way to start Fall and this could become our favorite season of the year.
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
