Sommelier Erin Rosar Offers a Fresh Take

There is something special about this time of year when summer still lingers even though the brisk autumn is setting in. As the evenings become cooler, and sweaters become part of our wardrobes again, our food and wine choices change as well. We move away from lighter summer fare, and begin to add heavier, savoury dishes to our repetoire.

Before winter truly sets in our gardens, orchards and vineyards provide us with a last celebration of flavours. In this season, which we refer to as Indian Summer, we look for wine styles which compliment the tastes of fall harvest while still hanging on to the flavours of the fading summer

Below are a few ideas for you to try in your glass, along with food pairings to enjoy as the seasons begin to change.

Rosé: Just because the days are getting cooler doesn't mean that a glass of rosé can't still be enjoyed. When you are choosing rosé at this time of year look for one that has a deeper colour. This generally means that it will be fuller bodied as well as richer in red fruit flavours. Try rosé with roast or barbequed chicken dishes, cedar plank salmon, and salads with berries in the mix.

Pinot Gris or Riesling:

Both of these grape varieties are aromatic and have delicious flavours to offer during Indian summer. Look for slightly off-dry Riesling styles, as the hint of sweetness will allow them to pair fabulously with the richness in fall squash dishes and soups. Both Pinot Gris and Riesling are delicious paired with a baked or barbequed pork roast with fall vegetables and either mashed squash or potatoes.

Merlot

The poor Merlot grape is still recovering from its portrayal in the movie Sideways! When this varietal is treated with love, it has the ability to be like liquid silk in your mouth. It's a wonderful wine to enjoy during this in-between season, as it is perfect for when the jammy reds of summer seem too rich; yet you're not quite ready for big winter reds. Try your favorite Merlot with a fall stew made with fresh vegetables, beef barley soup, or a pot roast that you have let cook all day.

Calvados or Iced Cider

The fall is when apples are at their best, so it seems only right to enjoy wine styles made from apples. If you enjoy brandy then you might like to give Calvados a try. It is a French brandy made from apples and is delicious when paired with warm apple pie or classic with Tarte Tartin. Quebec produces some fabulous examples of Iced Apple Cider as uniquely Canadian as the icewines of Niagara and the Okanagan. I love iced cider served with vanilla ice cream or warm apple cake and it can also be wonderful mixed with vodka for a fall themed martini. Enjoy!

Erin Rosar
		About the author:
		Erin Rosar is a Calgary-based sommelier who is known throughout Canada for her down to earth approach to wine. Her expertise has led to her teaching up-and-coming sommeliers through to Diploma Level with the International Sommelier Guild, and talking to the general public through a number of tastings, festivals, as well as various local and national media. Erin is the founder of WG (Wine Girl) Wines Consulting, and creator of Wine in the Kitchen. More information about Erin can be found on her website, www.wgwines.com
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