As the weather turns crisp and cool and the leaves change to hues of rich red and burgundy, we are ready to toast the autumn with a selection of red wines. The 10 wines from around the globe that we are featuring have a range of price points and each has distinctive qualities that are sure to please our readers. When you are buying wines, plan to invite a few friends over for a tasting party. You need not be an expert to relax and enjoy a few pours while you and your guests chat about the wines, nibble on charcuterie, and entertain lively conversations. These wines are also ideal for the upcoming fall and winter holidays whether you want to have them on your table or gift that special someone. We have included the websites for the respective wineries so you can continue your red wine exploration.
Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico 2020 – This exquisite Chianti by San Felice displays an intense ruby red, making each pour a thing of beauty. This is a wine that is welcome on everyone’s table this fall. On the nose, it releases rich scents of dried plum, blackberry, and raspberry. On the palate, it has soft, velvety tannins and a pleasant acidity. Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico 2020 is a wine that boasts extraordinary longevity. The grapes are sourced from selected parcels of the Poggio Rosso vineyards that include Castelnuovo Berardenga, and Siena.
Visit: Poggiorosso | Wines | San Felice | Borgo San Felice
Brunello di Montalcino 2020 – Castiglion del Bosco has long been a top benchmark for Brunello di Montalcino. As with previous vintages, their 2020 vintage is an elegant yet expressive and powerful red wine with rich layers of dark cherry, dried herbs, spices, and a refined structure that pairs seamlessly with your favorite fall comfort foods or simply enjoyed fireside, on its own. On the nose, this Tuscan red wine shows vibrant aromas of ripe berries, pepper, and sweet cinnamon, accented by delicate hints of white flowers. The palate is rich yet balanced, with supple tannins and lifted acidity making it both age-worthy but still approachable now. Guiding this expression is Cecilia Leoneschi, the winery’s talented, longtime winemaker.
Visit: Castiglion del Bosco Brunello Wine – Castiglion del Bosco
Calesa Pinot Noir 2022 – This wine by Eleven Eleven is a refined Pinot Noir that is very versatile. The nose is greeted with a bouquet of aromas that include ripe cherries and lush red berries with hints of vanilla and toasty oak, evoking the richness of the Sonoma earth itself. Upon tasting, the wine reveals its poise, with the initial brightness of rich red fruit flavors evolving into a more nuanced palette of black tea, a touch of spice and mineral earthiness. This narrative of taste is supported by a balanced acidity and fine-grained tannins, providing a structure that elevates the wine’s silky-smooth texture. These elements culminate in a long, elegant finish, leaving you with an abiding desire for the next sip.
Visit: Eleven Eleven Wines – Napa Winery & Tasting Room
Delanz Apalta 2022 – Founded in 1850, Vina Carmen is one of the first wineries in South America and a benchmark in the history of Chilean wine with a rich heritage of quality and innovation. Their Vina Carmen Delanz Apalta 2022 has a deep purplish color and offers a fresh, elegant take on the Carmenère wines. It is crafted from a historic, dry-farmed vineyard nestled in the south-facing hills of Apalta and surrounded by native forest. This wine reflects Vina Carmen’s honest, terroir-driven approach to one of Chile’s most iconic varieties, with vibrant tannins, juicy red fruit, and a spicy edge. The location of the vineyards delivers a depth and a natural freshness that are prized hallmarks of this special corner of Colchagua.
Visit: Viña Carmen – La primera viña de Chile
Floresta Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – This wine builds Vina Santa Rita’s legacy with a fresh, spirited, high-altitude interpretation of Chile’s most iconic grape. Unlike most Cabernets from Maipo, Floresta comes from a mountainside vineyard at 600 meters above sea level in the elevated sector of Alto Jahuel. The vines grow on volcanic and colluvial soils with excellent drainage and benefit from cool nightly breezes descending from the Andes, allowing for slow, even ripening. The result is a vibrant, floral Cabernet Sauvignon with firm tannins, bright red fruit, cedar, and a refreshing acidity. Fermented in concrete and aged in second-use barrels, it offers a modern take on the variety layered, expressive, and true to its origin.
Visit: Viña Santa Rita
Campagiovanni Brunello de Montalcino 2020 – This luscious classic wine by San Felice tells a story of place and time. The Campagiovanni estate is a gem in Tuscany that is deeply committed to the environment by advocating for sustainability and biodiversity, with a working Vitiarium that preserves and studies native Tuscan grape varieties for the future. In the glass, this wine has a beautiful, rich ruby red hue. On the nose, there are tempting aromas of ripe forest fruits, blackberry jam, and subtle notes of tobacco. On the palate this wine is broad, soft, and persistent with a spirited and lingering fruit finish. It is a welcome treasure in all wine collections.
Visit: Campogiovanni | Wine Estate | Montalcino | Tuscany | Borgo San Felice
J. Lohr Estates South Ridge Syrah 2022 – The wine with taste sensations of bold dark fruit layered with pepper and spice is an ideal partner for fall fare. California’s Central Coast AVAs, especially Paso Robles, are seeing a well-deserved surge in wine lovers’ attention right now. J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines is one of the most influential family-owned wineries in California for over 50 years. Deeply rooted in Paso Robles and the broader Central Coast, the Lohr family has helped shape the region’s reputation for producing world-class wines, community stewardship, and industry-leading sustainability. South Ridge Syrah 2022 is a prime example of the accessible, great wines J. Lohr is producing for an appreciative public.
Visit: J. Lohr | Homepage
Kaiken Disobedience Red Blend 2020 – Aurelio Montes is the founder of the Kaiken Winery creating wines that are crafted for those who challenge the status quo as a celebration of freedom and creativity. The 2020 vintage is a bold, high-altitude blend of 60% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are sourced from the rugged elegance of Los Chacayes in Uco Valley and the classic power of Vistalba in Luján de Cuyo. The result is intense and vibrant with wild berries, sweet spices, fresh herbs, and a structured, lingering finish. It is a wine that is meant to drink now but made to age and evolve with character. It is an enticing wine that is sure to please.
Visit: KAIKEN WINES | HOME
Ittai 2023 – Crafted by Shiloh Winery, the wine is a Bordeaux style blend as part of their newly launched Legend Series. And this wine is Kosher, ideal for the holidays. Inspired by Israel’s biblical history and heritage, Shiloh’s Legend Series highlights the “Heroes of David,” key historical figures who served King David and embodies strength, wisdom, and grace. The wine is comprised of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc and 12% Malbec. It is an elegant, dry red wine with complex fruit flavors. Aging will enhance its qualities.
Visit: Legend ITTAI (Former Honi) | Shiloh
La Bastide St. Dominique 2022 – This estate bottled red wine from the French Cotes du Rhone region is an enticing red blend comprised of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, and 15% Carignan. A splendid red wine, it shows aromas of spiced cherries, bay leaves, crushed peppercorns. This blend is medium bodied wine with finely grained tannins. It has a delightful, yet delicate texture throughout and a warming, relaxing finish.
Visit: Bastide Saint Dominique – Southern Rhône Valley
Top photo: Bigstock
