Leslie Sbrocco’s All-Star Fall Wine Lineup
78 South Bay Accent
MARTIN RAY: TIMM EUBANKS
UNDER $20
Le Grand Courtage Brut Rosé,
France
Looking for something unique to star
on the table? Reach for rosé bubbly
this fall. Made with red grape varieties
from France, this fruit-driven sparkler
is one of the best values on the market.
Serve alongside pork loin topped
with cranberry chutney for a spectacular
pairing.
Black Stallion Estate
Chardonnay, Napa Valley,
California
It is difficult to find such high quality
from Napa Valley with a price tag
so reasonable. This classic wine
showcases citrus freshness with
layers of spiced aromas and a kiss
of oak. Poured with roast chicken
and sweet potatoes, it’s a winning
combination.
Peachy Canyon “Incredible
Red” Zinfandel,
California
Peachy Canyon is one of the
iconic names in the region of
Paso Robles, thanks to their
swoon-worthy zinfandel.
This easy-drinking blend is
affordable and juicy, making
it a wine to stock up
on for fall sipping. Think of
it as a complement to fun
foods from pepperoni pizza
to burgers and fries.
SPLURGE $40–80
Martin Ray
Reserve Chardonnay,
Bald
Mountain Vineyard,
Santa Cruz
Mountains, California
Back in the 1940s
through the early
1970s, Martin Ray
was a winemaking pioneer in the
Santa Cruz Mountains. The brand
was resurrected in 1990 by Courtney
Benham and now produces
wines from Sonoma, Napa and
the historic Santa Cruz
Mountains. With a cool climate
and high elevation,
this Santa Cruz vineyard
produces whites of crisp
complexity. This stylish
chardonnay—with
hints of minerality
and stone fruit juiciness—
is a tribute to
the history of the
winery and the
distinctiveness of
the place.
Chateau Montelena
Cabernet Sauvignon,
Calistoga, Napa Valley,
California
Famous for being one of
the Napa wineries that
bested the French in the
1976 Judgement of Paris tasting,
Chateau Montelena is a destination
for wine lovers. The cabernet
sauvignon is structured and ageworthy
with dark-berry intensity.
Drink now with osso bucco or
roast beef, or age for a decade
to reach its full potential.
Chamboulé S.E.E.D.,
Pinot Noir, Sonoma
Coast, California
A new producer focused on
world-class chardonnay,
cabernet franc and pinot
noir from ultra-cool Sonoma
Coast, Chamboulé is
a winery to watch. A sense
of whimsy shines through
in the wine’s name S.E.E.D.,
which means “Simple Expression Evoking
Dimension,” while the pinot noir’s
finely tuned finesse shows the winemakers’
dedication to marrying Old
World elegance with New World succulence.
A coveted red to share with
someone special this fall.
Fall feasting and sipping is about enjoying the bounty of harvest.
My go-to whites, such as oak-aged chardonnay and Rhone-style
blends, can pair with savory dishes without being overwhelmed
by them. Fresh-from-the-garden fare such as squash, tomatoes,
mushrooms and eggplant are ideal for soups and stews. With
braised meats, roast chicken and baked root vegetables, the flavors
of fall are hearty and robust. In terms of wine, think of bottlings
that can stand up to the richness of these flavors. Red wines
including zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon sport spicy, powerful
profiles, while pinot noir lends elegance and earthy complexity.
These wines span the price spectrum from “save” to “splurge,”
offering choices for easy weeknights with takeout to Saturday
night impress-your-guests dinner party picks.