The Wines We’re Reaching For This Autumn
Changing leaves, a chill in the air, tables filled with roasted vegetables and slow-cooked dishes… autumn changes the way we want to drink.
It’s the season for reds with depth and character, but not necessarily weight. Wines with elegance, texture and a sense of place. Bottles that reveal something new as the evening unfolds, that seem to invite another glass. Wines worth lingering over.
From the limestone slopes of Burgundy to the hills of Piedmont and the sun-drenched vineyards of Tuscany, these are some of the wines we’re looking forward to pouring this autumn.
Burgundy: The Elegance of Pinot Noir
There are few things more satisfying than a beautifully made Pinot Noir. Silky, aromatic and nuanced, Burgundy has a way of making elegance feel effortless.
The wines of Joseph Drouhin are a natural place to begin. Founded in Beaune in 1880, the maison has long been guided by a respect for terroir and an appreciation for balance. Organically farmed with minimal intervention, the resulting wines prioritize finesse, floral and red-fruit aromatics. But Burgundy is a region that cannot be defined by any singular producer. It offers a fascinating journey through its vineyards, from celebrated appellations to historic Premier Cru sites such as Volnay’s Clos des Chênes and Beaune’s Les Teurons. These are wines that don’t demand attention; they reward it. Wines for roast chicken, wild mushrooms, and conversations that continue long after dessert.
Tuscany: The Many Faces of Sangiovese
Rolling cypress-lined hills, medieval villages, and centuries of winemaking tradition provide the backdrop for extraordinary expressions of the Sangiovese grape. From time-honored Chianti Classico to highly celebrated Super Tuscans, at its heart, Sangiovese is a grape capable of expressing both the character of an individual vineyard and the vision of the winemaker.
Take Querciabella, whose name means "beautiful oak." What began with a single hillside vineyard purchased by Giuseppe "Pepito" Castiglioni in 1974 has since become one of Italy's premier biodynamic estates. Bibi Graetz transformed an artist's perspective into one of Tuscany's most distinctive wineries. And Cepparello from Isole e Olena remains a defining Super Tuscan, eschewing the practice of blending international varietals and devoting their energy to producing 100% Sangiovese.
Piedmont: When Power Meets Grace
For those wanting more powerful wines this fall, Italy's "King of Wines," Barolo, is made from Nebbiolo grown on the fog-covered hills of Piedmont. These wines are celebrated for their fragrance, structure, and remarkable ability to evolve over decades. Bring these to your fall tables alongside braised meats, truffles, and aged Think braised meats, truffles, and aged cheeses you’ll be rewarded. Whether Mauro Veglio's Castelletto, from one of La Morra's most respected family estates, or Marcarini's La Serra, from a historic area the Marcarini family has cultivated for generations, these bottles share a combination of confidence, elegance, and depth that show why Barolo remains one of the world's great wines.
Beyond The Classics
For those looking to discover something new this autumn, some of the season's most compelling wines come from places just beyond the traditional spotlight. Philippe Alliet is widely regarded as one of Chinon's great masters, crafting old-vine Cabernet Franc from prized by Loire enthusiasts. In Patagonia, Bodega Chacra was founded after Piero Incisa della Rocchetta (grandson of the creator of Sassicaia) discovered forgotten Pinot Noir vineyards. And in New Zealand, the Doctors Flat estate has become one of Central Otago's admired boutique producers. These bottles reward curiosity and complete your autumn table.
Whether you're opening a bottle for tonight's dinner or choosing something to enjoy for years to come, these are the reds we'll be reaching for all season.