10 Fantastic White Wines For A Flavorful Fall Slideshow

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Gold Label Chardonnay 2012 ($16)

This is an easygoing, approachable chardonnay with orange blossom, hints of vanilla, and an unexpected and pleasing floral note on the nose. The palate has a steely minerality. For $16, it's a good quality wine that's versatile and could make a great hostess gift. Or, bring it to Thanksgiving. It won't compete with the complexity of the meal, and it's flexible enough to complement the sides.

Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Château Premier Cru 2009 ($40)

This is a balanced and refined white Burgundy, with subtle fruit, toast, and campfire notes. Share this with someone special, or use it to impress your boss. Pair with pâté and cured meats.

William Fèvre Chablis Domaine 2011 ($30)

This chablis has all the landmark traits of flintiness, oyster shell, and minerality, along with saltiness and a little fresh green pepper. Its unbuttered popcorn note gives it a bit of depth on the palate. Pair with roasted celery soup or butternut squash salad with spinach, goat cheese, apples, and walnuts.

Grecante Grechetto dei Colli Martani DOC 2011 ($19)

This is an impressive wine from Arnaldo Caprai, famed Sagrantino di Montefalco producer. It evolves in the glass, with notes of almond, crème fraîche, and butterscotch. The palate is nutty, with round body and good structure. This wine has the richness of a chardonnay, but with a more savory, earthy quality (and no oak). Pair with roast chicken, potatoes, and pasta with white sauce.

Rafael Palacios “Louro” Godello, Valdeorras 2012 ($22)

Godello is an indigenous variety from northwest Spain, and it's potential is made clear in this intense and striking wine. It's got hazelnut and tropical notes, taut acidity, and expansive body. This wine is like a vivacious, charming woman who commands everyone's attention when she glides into a room. It's got it going on. And if you like white Burgundy, try this wine for something different. Pair with fish and seafood with rich sauces. Or, just buy a bottle and relax in front of the fireplace.

Millton Riverpoint Vineyard Viognier, Gisborne 2011 ($30)

Lifted and fresh, this is a New World take on viognier. This intriguing wine has notes of white flower, green apple, and beeswax on the nose. It's slightly off dry, and has a waxy, supple quality on the palate, with sweet fruit and a surprising black pepper-driven finish. At a price tag of $30, this could really dress up your Chinese takeout, or it could be an elegant pairing with turkey.

Protos Verdejo, Rueda 2011 ($14)

Verdejo, Rueda's indigenous grape variety, is producing some impressive white wines, with a broad flavor spectrum, and good acidity and body at an excellent value. This lively and complex barrel fermented verdejo is the perfect fall white. It is layered and interesting with notes of toast, nuts, and lilac. It has a creamy mouthfeel and a nutty finish. Pair with hard cheeses like manchego or aged Cheddar, vegetarian chili, or a rustic chicken noodle soup.

Seifried “Sweet Agnes” Late Harvest Riesling, Nelson 2012 ($25)

Layered, with apricot, honey, mushroom, and petrol. The wine gives a sweet impression followed by mouthwatering acidity and a long delicious finish of marmalade and even more honey. Pair with apple or pecan pie, or drink it in place of dessert!

Sigalas Assyrtiko, Santorini PDO 2011 ($20)

This assyrtiko has a characteristic minerally streak with grapefruit, and a hint of Creamsicle. On the palate, notes of stone and white pepper, with high acidity and a full body that can stand up to rich and weighty foods. Pair with soft cheeses, cauliflower gratin, or vegetable lasagna.

Kopke Douro DOC 2012 ($14.99)

This blend of white Portuguese grapes is a great value. White pepper, white peaches, and banana cream pie make for an aromatic and interesting nose. The palate offers a long, stony, minerally finish. Pair with pork chops and roasted apple compote.