5 Best Wines and Spirits for Fall Sipping

As the weather cools down, we start craving our favourite comfort foods—and of course, the perfect drink to go with them. Who better to help us than Natalie MacLean, editor Canada’s largest drinks review site at nataliemaclean.com.

Welcome, Natalie.

Great to be back with you! I love our topic today probably because I find most drinks very comforting. They’re like a warm liquid hug for your taste buds.

Terrific! Where are we starting?

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum
Venezuela

Rum always makes me think of comfort by a crackling fire, big sweater, Irish Setter. Feel free to smell or taste the Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is one of the world’s best super-premium rums.

This rum’s icon, Don Juancho on the label, was inspired by the Mantuanos—Venezuelan noblemen of the 19th century known for their diplomacy and taste. In fact, Diplomático was the first rum ever named Spirit Brand of the Year by the Wine Enthusiast magazine, which is like winning Olympic gold.

There are three ways I love to enjoy it. First, neat in a classic snifter glass—this is where you can appreciate its complexity: amber richness, caramelized toffee and a finish of vanilla that lingers long after the sip. It’s basically the slow jazz of spirits—you can’t rush this.

Second, on the rocks in a tumbler. A cube of ice softens the intensity, letting those orange peel and licorice notes stretch out slowly like a fireside story told late into the evening.

And third, in a classic cocktail, like the Manhattan, served in a coupe glass. You mix it in a cocktail shaker with ice and vermouth then garnish with a curly orange peel. Again, so comforting.

I’d pair this beautiful rum with seared duck breast with orange glaze glistening like amber, sticky toffee pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or roasted pecan pie with buttery crust and warm maple filling.

Next, let’s move into red wines. What’s a good comfort pick here?

Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon
Chile

Feel free to smell or taste the Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, which is like curling up with a good novel you’ve read many times but never tire of. It’s easy-drinking, smooth and full-bodied with ripe blackberries and dark plum aromas.

This is one of the bestselling Chilean Cabernets worldwide and it’s perfect to enjoy on your own or with family and friends and your favourite playlist.

I’d pair this with slow-braised short rib stew where the meat falls apart at the touch of your fork, roasted root vegetable medley caramelized at the edges or a dark chocolate lava cake that oozes molten comfort at the centre.

What’s next in your sipping lineup?

Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico
Tuscany, Italy

Lamole di Lamole Chianti Classico is a Tuscan treasure with notes of black cherry, dried herbs, and earthy richness. This winery sits at one of the highest elevations in Chianti Classico—about 550 metres above sea level—where the altitude creates cool nights and intense aromatics in the wine.

The vineyards date back to Roman times, and the stone terraces were rebuilt by hand to preserve historical farming methods.

“Lamole” refers to the ancient Etruscan word for “blade,” describing the shape of the hills where the vineyards are cut into the landscape. Their wines are often described as ‘Chianti with lift,’ thanks to the rare Galestro and Alberese soils that bring elegance and minerality.

I’d pair this with baked macaroni blanketed with a rich, bubbling cheddar or lamb shepherd’s pie with buttery mashed potatoes. These are the dishes that answer the age-old question: “Is there an upper limit to comfort? Science says we haven’t found it yet.”

And white wines—what’s a classic comfort choice?

Leyda Sauvignon Blanc
Leyda Valley, Chile

Feel free to smell or taste the Leyda Sauvignon Blanc that’s grown in 120-million-year-old granite soils just 4 kilometres from the Pacific on Chile’s coast.

This is a wine with a view it’s so close to the ocean and that’s why it tastes like an ocean breeze with a fresh citrus lift. This pioneering winery put this region on the map and now the Leyda Valley is Chile’s coastal cradle of Sauvignon Blanc and Leyda is the most awarded winery in the region.

I’d pair this with grilled shrimp tacos wrapped in warm tortillas or pan-seared scallops with a golden crust and buttery centre for a perfect ocean to glass moment.

Great! What do you have to finish?

Folonari Prosecco
Veneto, Italy

Feel free to smell or taste the Folonari Prosecco, a sparkling Italian white with green apple, juicy white peach, and just a hint of lemon sunshine. Founded in 1825, Folonari helped put prosecco on the world map, making it one of Italy’s most comforting exports, right up there with pizza and pasta, both of which would be terrific pairings.

I’d also pair this with golden cheese souffle comfort cloud where the crust shatters delicately under your fork or flaky croissants pulled apart while still warm.