Crisp air, football, scarves and sweaters, outdoor fires, and warm meals – J’aime l’automne. I spent the past weekend leaf peeping in Vail to welcome fall. It was incredible (more on this later). Pedroncelli is feeling fall as well. Their latest #tasteup4 includes three killer reds and a delicious fall meal you don’t want to miss.

The Wine:

For the fall edition of #tasteup Pedroncelli sent me three red wines. As always, they were delicious and a great value. Pedroncelli never disappoints. Here are my brief thoughts on the three wines you must have for fall.

2016 Pedroncelli Signature Selection Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Sonoma USA ($22): alluring with fresh red berries, pomegranate, rose petal tea, baking spice, and lightly toasted hazelnuts. This wine has a medium body, structured with road acidity; bright and dazzling. A great wine for fall food pairings and a steal at $22. Buy direct from Pedroncelli.

2016 Pedroncelli Bench Vineyards Merlot Dry Creek Valley Sonoma USA ($18): Ok, pay attention – you must have this wine on hand for October’s MerlotMe month. It is an incredible price and delicious. Dark red fruit, savory dried herbs and dried roses, baking spice, black pepper, and trailing charred walnuts and vanilla. Bold, medium+ body, wraps palate in spice, smooth tannins, balanced acidity, long finish. It also is part of the recipe. Of course, you can use another Merlot, but why when this is amazing and only $18! You won’t find a better California Merlot for this price. Buy direct from Pedroncelli.

2014 Pedroncelli Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County USA ($36): Not sure why it is called “Wisdom” but it is certainly wise to buy this wine. Dark fruit, cassis, currant, baking spice, black pepper, cedar, trailing vanilla. Dazzling on the palate, silky mouth-feel, balanced, long finish. Bold yet refined. Buy several bottles, drink some now, cellar the rest for up to 10 years. You will be glad you did. Buy direct from Pedroncelli.

The Food:

Fall is a great time for slow-cookers, stews, braised meats, smokers – long, slow, and delicious. This recipe, Slow Cooker Beef with Pasta and Porcini, is a perfect fall dish that will take you all the way through winter. Save this recipe!

My Choice:

I did not so much chose the recipe, as the recipe chose me. However, as usual, I did make a few adjustments to it. In order to keep the carbohydrates to a minimum I substituted a few fingerling potatoes for the pasta. The rest of the recipe I followed as written.

Slow Cooker Beef with Pasta and Procini

The Results:

Incredible. The recipe was a huge hit in my home and I am sure it will be in yours as well. The only part I didn’t like was pouring a cup of the fabulous Pedroncelli Merlot into the dish, but it was worth it for great results. Next time I need two bottles of Pedroncelli Merlot. This is the perfect dish for fall/winter. It is warm, savory, and you know with a crock pot – it is easy. I let the beef soak in the crockpot overnight (as the recipe suggests) for maximum flavor. I am so glad I did. It tasted like it was 2 days old – which is the best in a dish like this.

Buy the wine. Make the recipe. Thank me later. Happy Fall. Cheers!