Fall wine recommendations

Fall entertaining is well underway in the Capital City, and any weekend is a good excuse to break old wine habits. If you’re stuck in a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio rut, try instead the luscious, food-friendly 2010 Soave Classico from Italian winemaker Gini, a fresh, dry white that pairs nicely with a range of cheeses, cream or olive oil-sauced pasta dishes and grilled fish, chicken or pork. Made primarily from the Garganega grape in the Veneto region?, Soave Classico is generally dry and fresh, and this smooth example is no exception. There’s a burst of apple, plenty of acidity and a creamy finish. For the red set, it’s hard to beat the very versatile Saint Cosme 2011 Cotes-du-Rhone made from 100% Syrah. Earning a 90 rating from Wine Spectator, this medium-bodied red has a ton going on, including notes of spice, smoke and anise. The finish is gentle and the tannins soft, and its pairing possibilities range far and wide, from rosemary pork stew to grilled lamb leg to skillet sirloin. Available at Calandro’s on Government Street.—Maggie Heyn Richardson