Autumn provides ample opportunity to elevate hearty dishes with an endless array of wines—our own Eduardo Dingler and Laura Koffer have tapped into their cellar and their recipe books to share some fall favorites with Wine Access members. Try them and find out why we believe this is really wine’s time to shine.
Roasted Butternut Squash
Wine Pairing: 2019 DeLoach Green Valley Chardonnay Green Valley Russian River Valley
The flavor and intensity of a perfectly seasoned butternut squash is matched beautifully by the toasty energy of this exemplary California Chardonnay.
Buttermilk-Kale Macaroni and Cheese
Wine Pairing: Champagne Alfred Tritant Rose
Champagne, known for going with everything, shows up big time with creamy, cheesy dishes. This fabulous rosé bubbly’s bright acidity really elevates the flavors of this dish.
Rigatoni with Spicy Calabrese-Style Pork Ragù
Wine Pairing: 2022 Tensley Syrah Santa Barbara County
You think any old red is going to stand up to this zippy ragù? Not quite. You need a wine of outstanding spice and concentration—exactly what 100-point winemaker Joey Tensley’s Syrahs are celebrated for.
Oven-Roasted Chicken with Carrots and Potatoes
Wine Pairing: 2021 Mike & Molly Hendry Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard Coombsville Napa Valley
The spice and umami from the rib-sticking chicken are accentuated by this juicy and elegant Zinfandel. Talk about a combination that’s basically autumn in a bottle.
Braised Short Ribs
Wine Pairing: 2012 Pecchenino Bussia Barolo
The acidity and sturdy tannins of this Barolo—even with its cellar age—slice through the richness of short ribs like a santoku straight from Bernal Cutlery. The wine’s layers of flavors, from cranberry to fallen leaves, balance the savory flavors of the beef.
Prime Rib with Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Spinach
Wine Pairing: 2021 Bank Shot Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Why even attempt to get a reservation at SF’s House of Prime Rib when you can pop a wine like this and do it à la maison. There’s nothing like a lush Napa cab with a juicy, perfectly cooked prime cut.
Pumpkin Cheesecake
Wine Pairing: 2019 Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs Brut North Coast California
Sweet wine with dessert? Sure, sometimes, but some treats call for a drier wine that can mirror the flavors of the dish but counter the sweetness. This refreshing domestic sparkler has the spice and toasted flavors you’ll find in pumpkin cheesecake, while the bracing acidity will refresh your palate.
Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream
Wine Pairing: 2000 Château Sigalas Rabaud Sauternes
Decadence all around! Sauternes with some nice age bursts with baked apple, caramel, and ginger flavors. The sweetness in the wine and the apple are gracefully balanced by the cold ice cream.
