It’s that time of the year again; the weather is starting to turn just a little bit, football is finally on, and Costco has their Christmas decorations out already. This means that Fall is just around the corner and then we’ll be moving right into Winter, and so the cycle goes. Here in Paso Robles, it’s hot in the Summer time. Well, it’s been a pretty mild one this year, but we’ve definitely seen our share of 100-degree days. What I’m trying to say here is that it’s the perfect weather for chilled, light wines. Light in color, and light in flavor. Notice I didn’t say “white” because “light” includes Roses, too!
This Summer, we’ve enjoyed some delicious Rhone whites, some Sauvignon Blancs, Vermentinos, Albarinos, and of course, Chardonnays, among others. But now that the change of season is upon us, it’s time to start thinking about the reds! How exciting…right? Now, this isn’t one of those “You can’t wear white after Labor Day” kind of rules, it’s just the natural progression of things. It’s awfully difficult to sip on a big glass of Petite Sirah when it’s 97 outside and you’re wearing shorts! It’s just as hard to go for a chilled Sauvignon Blanc when the wind is whistling by and it’s about to hail outside, you know?
Funny thing is, we see people drinking red when it’s 100 out, and white when it’s 45 out. That’s the beauty of wine…drink what you like and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise! This whole seasonal thing is a line in the sand; there’s no wine Lord in the sky telling you what you should or shouldn’t drink, so do your thing! There’s just something cozy about sipping a big red with a bowl of homemade soup on a cold Winter night that soothes the soul, and we’re looking forward to it! So, raise a glass to the change of Season! May your glass be full and your home and heart warm! Cheers!!!
Yes, Fall is in the air here on the Central coast. Mid 60’s one day, mid 80’s the next. I love the hearty warm foods with a full bodied red in winter – warms the cockles of my heart and everything else to come into that inside out warmth on a briskly cool day. But going into Autumn requires flexibility to keep up with such dramatic temperature changes. I keep my chilled whites ready to go when needed, and long for the weather driven reds. Love your blog. Happy Autumn!
So glad you keep those whites chilled…for when we come drink them with you! Hehehehe, happy Autumn to you, too Mom! We look forward to sharing some warm food and hearty red with you soon!
Love this post and couldn’t agree more. I like to keep the same philosophy when pairing wines with food. While a great pairing can enhance a wine’s qualities; I’ve always said, drink what you want to drink, and eat what you want to eat. I rarely follow the “whites only for fish and reds only for meat” rule. Have a great week guys! 🙂
Hey Amanda! Thanks, yeah totally agree with you, too! The pairing thing is really neat, but when it really comes down to it, you should drink and eat what sounds and tastes good to you. Life is too short to worry about whether or not you have the “right” thing in your glass! You have a great week, too…hope to see you soon!