As the air turns crisp and the light softens and foliage starts to take the stage, some wines simply feel right for the season. Grapes like Garnacha, Syrah, Mencía, Pinot Noir, and Barbera strike that perfect balance between summer’s brightness and the coming winter’s depth. Garnacha delivers supple red fruit and gentle spice, a comforting match for roasts and cool evenings. Syrah brings darker fruit, pepper, and smoke, the flavor of warmth beside a fire. From Spain’s northwest, Mencía shows bright acidity and floral red fruit, light on its feet yet full of character. Pinot Noir captures fall’s elegance with its silky texture and earthy undertones, while Barbera’s lively acidity and juicy plum notes make it an effortless partner to autumn fare.
In the notes below, I have covered a few of these grape varieties and their distinctive expressions, wines that embody the mood and flavors of the season. In the coming weeks, I will highlight others that deserve a place on your fall table, varieties that combine freshness, texture, and depth, reminding us why this is one of the most rewarding times of year to explore the world of wine.
Salud!
Bobby
In Vino Veritas (In wine there is truth)