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Amazon Exclusive: Q&A with Author Steven Kolpan What makes a wine a great “fall wine”? Much like the season itself, a great “fall wine" should be both bracing and fresh; not as light as a summer sipper, but not as full-bodied and complex as a winter warmer. To me a great “fall wine" could be a full-bodied white – think Chardonnay right off the bat - or a medium-bodied red – think Pinot Noir. These, of course, are familiar, even “safe choices” for the season. What are your favorite wines for the fall season, and why? Wines that come to mind are dry whites from Alsace, France – especially Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris – because they are substantial wines with lots of floral and spice notes, which reminds me of falling leaves on a windy day. I also love dry Sherry – especially Fino or Manzanilla – in the fall, as it is a wonderful, if under-appreciated, wine with cheeses, soups, fish and seafood, and a terrific match with dishes such as eggplant with garlic sauce, mu shu pork, and other Chinese take-out favorites. There are so many red wines that provide a warm glow on a chilly evening, and some of my favorites include: • From the United States: Perhaps my #1 choice for an awesome autumn wine is Zinfandel from California, especially from the Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County. Good Zin is hearty, but with loads of black fruit and spices on the palate. Seek out those wines with less than 14% alcohol, and save the big-alcohol Zins for the winter months. I also like Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley of Oregon and the Central Coast appellations of California; wines of balance and finesse. • From Italy: Dolcetto and Barbera