Celebrating the Joys Of Autumn

by Erin

This morning I was busy decorating for fall. Sure, I am a bit neurotic to decorate for the seasons as my “friends” tell me, but fall is, without a doubt, my absolute favourite time of year.

I love that I can now make small movements without breaking into a sweat, and I breath easier now that the stifling smog that sits on the Toronto skyline like the dull yellow haze on the the underarm of a white t-shirt has given way to crisp blue skies, and I am so excited to snuggle into a big sweater, while drinking an even bigger red wine.

This is the time of year I look forward to the most; fall to me is a time to gather round my sister’s big harvest table and feast on hearty and soul filling comfort foods like osso bucco, papparadelle bolognese and beef bourguignon. Hey, even simple, spicy chili for Sunday football makes me happy to be alive! (Less for the football, and more for the food). I can’t, however, say the same for any cow that comes within 1 square kilometer of my cold weather, cave-woman self.

And while my stock answer to those who ask which wine is my favourite, is always, which child is yours? (OK, that’s not fair, I know a lot of you do have a favourite kid, and I can’t say I blame you. But I digress). I’ve got a wine fridge full of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano just begging to be decanted.

It’s no secret I love Italy, and after Courtney and I travelled there a few summers ago, it’s a licky-sticky-stamped it kind of deal. Good thing there’s plenty of vino to go around. Here’s just the tip of the iceberg for what we’re happily diving into right now:

Michele Chiarlo “Airone”
Piedmont, Italy 2008 $17.95
This is a delicious blend of nebbiolo & barbera coming our of doc Monferrato. Courtney blind-tasted me on this wine just the other day, and what gave it away as a northern Italian gem, was for me, the distinctive chocolate-covered cherry note I always get from reds from Piedmont — especially barbera and dolcetto. But a hint of rose petal is a telltale sign nebbiolo’s in the house. It’s nice seam of acidity made it a great match to Courtney’s homemade chicken cacciatore with black olives.

Vecchia Cantina Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano
Tuscany, Italy 2007 $18.95
This is a bold wine, and in my mind, needs some food to keep it in check. Still, I love the red cherry and barnyard mix, with a bit of savory herb like dried thyme and sage. I would decant this for a while, then enjoy with pasta bolognese or salty parmesan cheese.

Collemattoni Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany, Italy 2004 (2006 currently available) $60
OK, this isn’t really fair to put in the mix here. It’s not available in the LCBO, but Stem Wine Group carries it if you’re interested in buying a case on consignment. But I thought I would add it, because it truly is a favourite of ours. Courtney and I visited the winery (note the picture) when we were in Italy, and we couldn’t have come across more gracious or accommodating hosts. Collemattoni also produces olive oil, to which they gave us a bottle as a parting gift. This gorgeous red is full of rustic aromas & flavours like barnyard, leather and spice, but also has some lovely dark berry fruit. It’s perfect when paired along side hearty roast meats, or personal favourite gnocchi with pork & wild mushroom ragu.