Wines for Fall?

[wcramernc]

It is time for our next wine tasting get together. My wife and I are hosting this time and we are stumped as to what types of wines to focus on. In the past we've focused on regions, varieties and even specific food pairings.

Our next tasting is the first weekend in October, and since we have had such a miserable summer here in the Southeast, I was leaning toward a "Welcome Fall!" theme and having everyone bring wines that are typically favored during Autumn months.

Any suggestions as to what wines that would be (white and red)? Maybe wines with a spicier taste? Or, am I completely crazy to even go that route?

Help!

[Innkeeper]

Hi Wcramernc, and welcome to the Wine Board. Recommend Cotes du Rhone Rouge and Cotes du Rhone Blanc. '04 & '05 are both good vintages. They make me think of autumn, and the red at any rate is spicy.

[wondersofwine]

Just don't let anyone get away with bringing Turning Leaf wines for the fall theme! (See the posting on Turning Leaf Chardonnay in the Chardonnay thread.)
I like medium weight reds for fall--Pinot Noir and red Burgundy, Beaujolais Cru and Tempranillo and perhaps the occasional Chianti. Maybe a Gewurztraminer as a spicy white or a mulled wine (warmed and with spices added.) Or you could ask the attendees to bring 2006 vintage whites recently released a year after harvest.