2011 Pertimali (Livio Sassetti), Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany

During an early evening walk the other night, I noticed a distinct chill in the air along with scents of burning leaves - scents that could only come from a neighbor's fireplace. It was the first of the season and with it came unmistakable imagery of the upcoming holidays.
    While it may be a touch early to start thinking of turkey, stuffing and gravy, you can't help but think of cooler winter cuisine that follows the upcoming autumn and winter months. From root vegetables, to stews, to roasted chicken, some of the most delectable dishes of the year are upon us. There is no better red wine to pair with these succulent seasonal favorites than a Pinot Noir. And not just any Pinot. While California Pinots are terrific and have their place, the underbrush aromatics of autumn really belong to aged red Burgundies.
    The Mercurey region of Burgundy has always produced some of the best values out of France. You don't have to spend excessive amounts to get excellent quality. And, with over five years bottle age, Jeannin-Naltet's old vine (Vieilles Vigne) Mercurey actually drinks like it has a decade of age.
    This wine has wonderful aromas of forest floor, underbrush, spicy tobacco notes and cocoa beans. On the palate, it is plush and full-bodied with dried cherry, dried strawberry, raspberry and ripe pomegranate flavors. Particularly suited for mushroom risotto, it is also at home with lean cuts of beef, stews, roasted pork and lamb along with your favorite mild cheeses.
    Jeannin-Naltet's Mercurey is ideal for your fall favorites and even Thanksgiving if you are starting to anticipate my favorite meal of the year!