2020 has been a year for us to get out of our comfort zones. This Fall, I challenge us drink out of our comfort zones, too.

As the weather gets chillier, it is time to put down the rosés (“rosé all year” can take a quick intermission), crispy whites and Aperol Spritz in favour of something a little heartier. After all, a hug a nice, but a liquid hug is more convenient.

Contrary to full-bodied Winter reds, Fall weather calls for wines that are light, earthy and cheerful enough to brighten up our end-of-summer blues. Check out our 5 Light Reds To Ease Into Fall curated to help you stay positive and thirsty!

1. Schiava

Originated from the Alto Adige region of Italy, Schiava produces wines that resemble fresh cranberries. They are pale, mineral-driven, often with a candy-like quality. Serve it chilled with a ham sandwich by your favourite lake, and watch the leaves fall under the Autumn sun.

2. Passe-tout-grains (aka. PTG)

What monster would blend Pinot Noir with Gamay? STFU Susan. Such wines exist and quite so deliberately, and they can be delicious! Passe-tout-grains is traditionally a Burgundian blend of 50/50 Pinot Noir and Gamay, but today you’ll see cool climate winemakers in other parts of the world producing their take of the PTG. The results are easy-drinking, fruit-forward wines that make you smile when you take another bite of that duck rillette.

Rosewood (Ontario) and JoieFarm (British Columbia) make some interesting Canadian examples!

3. Loire Reds

There is something tender and brilliant about the wines of Loire. Bright fruits, lively minerality, and earthy characters made them the perfect contender to indulge as we watch the leaves turn red. Look for a Cabernet Franc from Chinon, a Gamay from Auvergne, or surprise yourself with a red blend from Touraine. Perfect when served slightly chilled and paired with a light stew, mushroom risottos, or some cheese.

4. Cru Beaujolais

The 10 Crus of Beaujolais produce some of the most complex and age-worthy wines from the region, so good that they are often compared to great wines of Burgundy. Out of the 10 Crus, Chiroubles is my personal favourite because of its delicate texture and peach-like character that, to me, could resemble a white Châteaunneuf-du-Pape. Delicious on its own, but exceptional with Turkey. Cru Beaujolais is your best friend for Thanksgiving!

5. Pinot Noir

Wait. What? Aren’t we supposed to drink out of our comfort zones? Well, first of all, Pinot Noir is basically Fall trapped in a bottle. Secondly, Pinot Noir is LIFE. Third, to get out of your comfort zone, you can opt for a Pinot Nero (Italian Pinot Noir), a Canadian Pinot Noir (BC: Okanagan / ON: Niagara & County), or one from the Willamette Valley, then kick back, relax, and have a good time.

Though… I won’t be mad if you pour me a glass of Gevrey-Chambertain 🤡

What are you drinking this fall?