Summer to Fall Red Wines and Food Pairings

We’ve been soaking up the summer with crisp whites and refreshing Rosés, but as the days shorten and the evenings turn cooler, it’s the perfect time to transition back to our favorite red wines. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night at home, red wine is likely on your mind. In celebration of Red Wine Day, let's dive into three exceptional reds - One Acre Cabernet Sauvignon, Old Lodge Proprietary Red Blend, and Acre Merlot. Plus, we’ll share what  vintner Talley Henry is pairing with each of these bold choices. 

1. For that Upcoming Special Occasion! 

Begin your celebration with a standout wine: the 2018 One Acre Porchview Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine captivates from from the first sip with it’s elegant complexity offering aromas of graphite, black raspberry, and black currant. The palate is soft and textured, with silky layers of dark berries, baking spices, black tea, wrapped in lush tannins. The balanced and nuanced finish makes it a timeless, classic choice for any special occasion. 

Food Pairing: Herb-Crusted Prime Rib

Pair this Cabernet with a succulent, herb-crusted prime rib for a perfect match. The wine's tannins beautifully balance the richness of the beef, while the herbal crust enhances the earthy undertones of the Cabernet. Serve alongside roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes for a comforting yet refined meal.

Cooking Tip: Marinate the prime rib with a blend of rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil before roasting to perfection. Allow it to rest before slicing to lock in all those flavorful juices.

2. For an elevated Meatless Monday

The 2019 Acre Merlot is rich and supple, with notes of black fruit, 60% dark chocolate, black licorice, and baking spice. Lush and luxurious in the mouth, with flavors of black cherry, a hint of cocoa and subtle vanilla, which lead to a smooth and lingering finish. It’s a warm hug and comfort in a glass. Even if you think you’re not a Merlot fan (anyone remember Sideways?), we’re confident this bottle will change your mind. 

Food Pairing: Mushroom Risotto

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this comforting and satisfying combination. In just 30 minutes you can have a dish the whole family will love. The fruit forward profile of the Merlot perfectly complements the umami richness of the mushrooms, while its soft tannins enhance the the risotto’s creamy texture. The earthy flavors of the dish highlight the wine’s subtle complexities for a truly harmonious pairing.

Cooking Tip: Use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and porcini for varied textures and flavors. Stir the risotto slowly, adding warm broth gradually to achieve the perfect creamy consistency. Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for an extra touch of indulgence.

3. Dinner Party Smash Hit!

Planning to host a group of people? We’ve got the perfect wine for you. The 2020 Old Lodge Proprietary Red Blend is a crowd pleaser that everyone will enjoy. At just $48 a bottle, it’s a great option for frequent entertaining! Lush and complex, with layers of dark cherry, boysenberry, cassis, orange spice box, leather, and dark chocolate that blend seamlessly into the soft tannins on the lengthy, layered finish. Stock up on a case, send out the invites and get ready to entertain in style this Fall!

Food Pairing: Braised Short Ribs

Impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen with slow-cooked braised short ribs. The wine's fruit-forward notes and subtle spice perfectly complement the savory, melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the ribs. Pair it with creamy sour cream chive mashed potatoes or teleme cheese polenta to soak up all the rich, flavorful sauce, and you’ve got a dish that will wow your dinner party.

Cooking Tip: Sear the short ribs until golden brown, then braise them slowly with red wine, beef broth, onions, carrots, and a bouquet garni of fresh thyme, rosemary, oregano, garlic, and bay leaves until they are tender and fragrant. The long, slow cooking process will ensure the meat will be fall-off-the-bone tender, infused with all the delicious flavors of the braising liquid. 

What Are You Waiting For? 

As summer winds down, there’s plenty to anticipate this Fall! Light a fire, pour yourself a glass, and savor the tastes and flavors of the new season. Cheers!

A Few of Talley's Favorites (and What She Pairs Them With)

As a wine proprietor, my goal is to make wines that we want to drink. Each vintage, when Mike and I sit down with our consulting winemaker Richard Bruno to discuss that year’s production, I know it will always include vibrant, crisp whites and multi-layered, easy-drinking reds. Today, I’m excited to share three of my current personal favorites, along with some delightful food pairings that bring out the best in each wine.

1. Rosé: The Zesty Delight

Rosé is a wine that I love for its versatility and charm. The Old Lodge Rosé is a beautiful explosion of pomegranate, freshly sliced watermelon, Queen Anne cherries, white peach, and a stone minerality.   

Food Pairing: This Rosé shines when paired with grilled shrimp skewers. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the shrimp, while its fruit elements uplift the smoky, charred flavors. A squeeze of lemon over the shrimp will tie everything together beautifully.

2. Chenin Blanc: The Elegant All-Arounder

Chenin Blanc is a grape that has my heart. It’s crisp, layered, and versatile, with a balance of acidity and subtle fruit flavors. Our Acre Chenin Blancs burst with notes of apricot, fennel, citrus, and tropical fruit with a touch of chamomile on the palate and a nuanced expression of citrus zest and a subtle saline minerality on the lingering finish, making it the perfect wine for a sunny afternoon, an al fresco lunch, or your evening meal.

Food Pairing: Pair this Chenin Blanc with a fresh goat cheese salad, topped with candied walnuts and sliced pears and an entree of a scallop risotto. The acidity of the wine complements the creaminess of the goat cheese in the salad and the seafood in the risotto, while the fruit notes harmonize with the sweetness of the candied nuts. It’s a wine that can effortlessly take you from brunch to dinner.

3. Proprietary Red Blend: Comfort in a Glass

Our Proprietary Red Blend is rich and lush, with notes of huckleberry, Bing cherry, blue fruits, spice, cashew, leather, and dark chocolate. It’s a wine that’s easy to drink but has a complexity that keeps you coming back for more.

Food Pairing: Pair this beauty with sliced grilled steak and portobellos topped with chimichurri sauce. And then let it follow you into your dessert course with a pairing that might surprise you— s’mores! The wine’s rich, fruit-laden notes are an ideal complement to the sweet, gooey marshmallow, while the hint of spice enhances the chocolate’s depth. It’s a pairing that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated, perfect for a cozy evening by the fire as summer turns to fall.

Let Talley’s Favorites Become Your Favorites

These three wines represent some of my favorite styles—crisp and vibrant whites, and easy-drinking, multi-layered reds. Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal with friends or indulging in a sweet treat by the fire, these wines are designed to elevate your experience and bring joy to every sip. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Cheers!

Zinfandel: The Perfect Summer Red Wine

While many people gravitate towards a crisp white or a refreshing rosé, Zinfandel is a red wine that stands out as an excellent choice for summer. Read on for our pro tips on pairing and serving. 

Our 2020 Acre Zinfandel

Rich magenta hues with layered aromas of boysenberry, blackberry, and black cherry with an overlay of ripe raspberry and a nuanced touch of hoisin, olive, and sandalwood. The black fruits continue on the palate with notes of fresh fig, plum compote, dried thyme, nutmeg, and balsam. The plush fruit is beautifully balanced with juicy acidity and well-ripened tannins.  

Perfect Pairing for the Perfect Summer Red: BBQ

Zinfandel's natural acidity cuts through the richness of fatty cuts like ribs or brisket, while its fruit-forward character complements the sweetness of barbecue sauces—perfect for pulled pork sliders! Whether you're savoring a rack of tangy sauced ribs, a juicy steak, or a spicy sausage, Zinfandel's complexity and vibrancy enhance every bite. Zin is also one of our favorite picks for wood-fired pizzas with its peppery finish adding an extra layer of excitement. This creates a harmonious dance of flavors that is sure to elevate your summer BBQ experience.

Pro Tip

Chill it! Don’t leave the refreshing chill on wine to just whites and Rosés this summer. Zinfandel is one of those wines that you can serve slightly chilled. So while you’re heating up the BBQ, don’t forget to put your Zinfandel in the fridge or ice bucket for up to an hour. Promise, it’s perfection. 

A Tale of Two Blancs: Exploring the Differences Between Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc

When it comes to white wines, there's a vast array of options to explore. Today’s discussion is on the difference between well-known, crowd-favorite Sauvignon Blanc and the more niche, but ever-so-enjoyable Chenin Blanc. Let's delve into what distinguishes them from each other.

Sauvignon Blanc: Bright, Vibrant, and Zesty

Sauvignon Blanc, known for its zesty acidity and vibrant fruit flavors, is a quintessential choice on a hot day if you’re looking for a crisp and refreshing white wine. The varietal is originally from one of the most famous wine regions in France, the Loire Valley AOP Sancerre, dating back to the 16th century, and was further popularized by New Zealand’s Marlborough district. While France continues to be the largest producer of Sauvignon Blanc, it is now grown world-wide with notable productions in New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, and the Napa Valley. 

The 2023 Acre Sauvignon Blanc ​​leaps out of the glass with enticing aromas of white peach, Meyer lemon, pineapple, candied ginger and lemongrass.  On the palate, gaining in complexity, notes of grilled peach, lime zest, and orange blossoms intermingle with hints of apricot, lemon curd, and sea salt. The texture is supple, and the fresh acidity keeps the wine vibrant and lively.  What sets this wine apart is not just its flavor profile but also its origin – the Morgaen Lee Vineyard in the heart of the Yountville AVA. Here, the vines bask in the warmth of sunny days and are cooled by the breezes of cool nights, resulting in grapes that embody the perfect balance of flavors and acidity. And let's not forget, it's 100% organic, a testament to our commitment to sustainability and purity in winemaking.

Chenin Blanc: Crisp, Herbaceous, and Elegant

Chenin Blanc, hailed as one of the most versatile white wine grapes, offers a diverse range of styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Just like Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc originated in the Loire Valley in France but earlier in the 9th century, and now the largest production comes from South Africa. There are fewer than 5,000 acres of Chenin Blanc planted in the United States, and we’re extremely proud to dedicate our time and energy into making one of the few Chenin Blancs in Napa Valley, where there are less than 17.5 acres currently planted.

The 2023 Acre Chenin Blanc is a luminous pale straw hue with aromatics of lemongrass, thyme, and verbena. The palate unfolds with flavors of apricot, fennel, lemon and lime zest, and a guava, pineapple, papaya tropical fruit medley, culminating in a nuanced expression of chamomile and saline minerality on the lingering finish. Sourced from Betty's Vineyard, which is part of the Ballentine Family Estate Vineyards within the St. Helena AVA, this Chenin Blanc is a product of sustainable farming practices, a testament to the reverence for the land and its bounty. Fermented and aged in 100% stainless steel, it strikes the perfect balance between freshness and complexity, a true embodiment of the varietal's potential. 

Key Contrasts: A Closer Look

Sauvignon Blanc - aromatic, refreshing, high acidity 

Enjoy this wine with - sunshine, fresh seafood, summer salads, sushi, oysters on the half shell, and rosemary garlic chicken burgers, and pesto pasta

Chenin Blanc - vibrant, lively, complex

Enjoy this wine with - an elevated happy hour with friends, Brie and Camembert cheeses, crab cakes, shrimp scampi, Thai green curry, Vietnamese spring rolls, sushi, prosciutto wrapped melon, gruyere and spinach quiche, veggie platters, and your favorite charcuterie board

Here’s the bottom line - you’re going to need to try them both and let us know what you think! 

Through the end of May, use code BLANC and save 15% with ground shipping included on 12+ bottles. We recommend 6 bottles of each but won’t be surprised if you need a restock by mid-summer!