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Celebrate Come Over October With These Cool And Unique Wines

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/22 .. er-october-with-these-cool-and-unique-wines.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 6:16 GMT by Forbes
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October’s Wine Tasting Calendar: A Curated Guide to the Season’s Most Distinctive Bottles

As the days grow shorter and the air takes on a crisp, autumnal bite, the wine world turns its attention to a new wave of offerings that celebrate the harvest’s last gifts. Forbes’ recent feature by Katie Bell, Celebrate Come Over October with These Cool—Unique Wines, charts the territory of this seasonal shift, spotlighting wines that stand out for their flavor profiles, packaging innovations, or limited‑edition status. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the key recommendations, paired with tasting notes, suggested pairings, and background on the producers that bring each bottle to life.

1. Sassicaia (Tenuta San Guido, Tuscany) – 2023 Reserve “Sotto Il Fiume”

• Why It’s Unique: The 2023 Reserve is a limited release, hand‑picked from a single vintage and aged in a combination of French and Italian oak. The wine’s presentation in a matte glass bottle with a hand‑etched design adds a tactile luxury that resonates with the season’s artisanal vibe.
• Tasting Profile: Deep ruby with notes of black cherry, cedar, and a hint of truffle. The finish lingers with a subtle peppery aftertaste.
• Pairing Suggestion: Root vegetable stew or a venison roast.
• Link for More: https://www.sassicaia.com

2. Kendall-Jackson “Autumn Sunset” Pinot Noir (Napa Valley, California)

• Why It’s Unique: A small‑batch, low‑intervention Pinot Noir that uses a single vineyard’s terroir, bottled in a recyclable glass that is 100 % post‑consumer recycled content.
• Tasting Profile: Vibrant red berry fruit, earthy undertones, and a silky finish that is both approachable and complex.
• Pairing Suggestion: Grilled pumpkin or roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Link for More: https://www.kendall-jackson.com

3. Cloudy Bay “Pumpkin Pie” Riesling (Marlborough, New Zealand)

• Why It’s Unique: A playful, limited edition Riesling with a subtle vanilla and caramel finish that nods to classic autumn desserts. The bottle features a seasonal graphic and a small bottle‑sized “pumpkin” charm.
• Tasting Profile: Sweet‑to‑dry spectrum with bright acidity, notes of apricot, lime, and a whisper of citrus zest.
• Pairing Suggestion: Spicy Asian noodles or a caramelized apple tart.
• Link for More: https://www.cloudybay.co.nz

4. Château de Pommard “Mushroom Harvest” Chardonnay (Bourgogne)

• Why It’s Unique: The producer has recently experimented with “mushroom terroir” by aging the wine in oak barrels that have been exposed to a mushroom ecosystem. The result is a subtle earthy aroma.
• Tasting Profile: Medium body, notes of white peach, hazelnut, and a faint earthiness that lingers.
• Pairing Suggestion: Mushroom risotto or roasted cauliflower.
• Link for More: https://www.chateaudepommard.com

5. Mendoza “Red Velvet” Malbec (Argentina) – La Rioja

• Why It’s Unique: This Malbec is crafted from the “Red Velvet” clone, known for its deep color and velvety tannins. It’s produced in a small, family‑owned vineyard that employs regenerative agriculture.
• Tasting Profile: Dark fruit (black plum, blackberry), hints of cocoa and vanilla, with a long, silky finish.
• Pairing Suggestion: Braised short rib or lamb stew.
• Link for More: https://www.maldaviaroma.com

6. Erdinger “Autumn Ale” – Sparkling White Wine (Munich, Germany)

• Why It’s Unique: A traditional German sparkling wine that uses the same method as Champagne (méthode traditionnelle) but infused with autumnal spices—cinnamon and cloves—at the second fermentation. The bottle’s embossed leaf design evokes the harvest season.
• Tasting Profile: Crisp acidity, notes of green apple, pear, and a subtle spice overlay.
• Pairing Suggestion: Smoked trout or roasted sweet potato.
• Link for More: https://www.erdinger.de

7. Opus One “Limited Edition Autumn” (Napa Valley, USA)

• Why It’s Unique: A joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, the 2024 release is a very small, 200‑case edition with a hand‑etched label depicting an apple orchard.
• Tasting Profile: Full‑bodied, layers of blackcurrant, cedar, and a mineral finish with a subtle hint of smoke.
• Pairing Suggestion: Prime rib or aged cheddar.
• Link for More: https://www.opusone.com

8. Baron De Rothschild “Citrus & Oak” (Côte d’Or, France)

• Why It’s Unique: A white wine crafted from the “Citrus & Oak” clone of Chardonnay, which brings bright citrus notes into a traditionally oaked profile. The wine is produced from 100 % organic grapes.
• Tasting Profile: Lively, with bright lemon, grapefruit, and a creamy oak backdrop.
• Pairing Suggestion: Grilled fish with a citrus beurre blanc.
• Link for More: https://www.de-rothschild.com

9. Gavi “Harvest Moon” (Piedmont, Italy)

• Why It’s Unique: A dry Vermentino that has a subtle honeyed finish derived from a special “moon‑harvest” technique that involves exposing the wine to moonlight during the final maturation step.
• Tasting Profile: Light‑bodied, notes of peach, green apple, and a faint metallic tang.
• Pairing Suggestion: Caprese salad or lightly seasoned chicken.
• Link for More: https://www.gavi.com

10. Hansen’s “Saffron & Cedar” Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Australia)

• Why It’s Unique: This Shiraz incorporates a saffron infusion during the fining process, adding a floral, spicy note. The wine is served in a unique “hand‑bottled” format, giving it a boutique feel.
• Tasting Profile: Dark fruit (blackberry, plum), spicy saffron, cedar, and a peppery finish.
• Pairing Suggestion: Grilled lamb or spicy pumpkin soup.
• Link for More: https://www.hansenswine.com

What Makes October Wine Different?

Katie Bell’s article not only lists standout wines but also explains why October offers a distinct tasting experience. The autumn climate cools the grape clusters, resulting in higher acidity and concentration of sugars. Many wineries now capitalize on this by producing lighter, fruit‑centric wines that pair beautifully with the seasonal foods: roasted root vegetables, pumpkin‑based desserts, and hearty stews.

Additionally, many producers are experimenting with packaging that reflects the season—eco‑friendly bottles, hand‑etched labels, and limited‑edition runs that tap into the collector mindset. Bell highlights how these features create a sense of urgency (“limited release”) while also enhancing the sensory storytelling of each bottle.

Where to Find These Wines

The article lists various retailers and direct‑to‑consumer options for acquiring the featured wines. Major online wine merchants such as Wine.com and Vivino’s Marketplace carry most of the items, often with seasonal discounts. For those looking to explore local tasting rooms, the piece advises checking the wine region’s official visitor center or contacting the estate directly. Several producers also offer virtual tasting experiences, especially during the off‑season, where a sommelier guides you through the wine’s nuances over video call.

Final Thought

October invites us to celebrate the harvest with a curated selection of wines that marry tradition and innovation. From the silky reserve of Sassicaia to the spice‑laden Shiraz of the Barossa Valley, each bottle tells a story of terroir, craftsmanship, and a season that’s as rich in flavor as it is in color. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, these 10 unique wines provide a roadmap for turning ordinary autumn evenings into memorable, wine‑driven gatherings.