A Seasonal Guide to Wine From AJA
Wine experts and novices alike have probably noticed that some wines taste better at specific times of year, or with certain classic food pairings that let their delicate flavors shine. Grape seasons and growing times vary, but at AJA Vineyards, every season is wine season.
Pairing wine for the season is easier than it sounds. As much as wine is about flavor, it’s also about the feeling it gives you. Refreshing, light wines tend to taste better in warm seasons, when they refresh the palate alongside lighter food, while comforting, heartwarming wines sip better in the colder months.
Summer Wines
Crisp, vibrant, and lively white or rosé wines quench thirst in the warm summer months. Compared to reds, whites are typically lower in alcohol, and when chilled, they keep you refreshed and relaxed. Good summer whites include Sauvignon Blanc, Picpoul de Pinet, Pinot Grigio, Muscadet, and Albariño, while Grenache, Pinot Noir, and Mourvèdre make for lovely rosés. These crisp wines have fruity flavors that pair ideally with summer’s lighter style of food.
For summer, we recommend our Happy Canyon Sauvignon Blanc and Malibu Coast Sauvignon Blanc as excellent whites, and a chilled glass of our Paso Robles Wildflower Rosé is hard to beat, pairing with almost any dish.
Autumn Wines
Autumn is the heart of harvest. The last nuances of summer disappear as the air starts to chill, making it the perfect time to get cozy with robust, warm autumn fare alongside medium-bodied reds and fuller-bodied whites. Chenin Blanc and a lightly oaked Chardonnay taste particularly good this time of year, pairing well with rich pasta dishes and tender grilled fish. Viognier is also fabulous in autumn, with its honeyed, apricot-rich flavor and clean finish.
Our Central Coast Chardonnay and Malibu FIVE Red Wine ease you into autumn beautifully, both delicious on warm or cool nights alongside most autumn foods.
Winter Wines
Winter is the season to embrace the chilly months, and the perfect time to favor reds, which warm up the body. Most winter meals are thick, heavy, and meaty, with complex sauces, soups, and broths cooked low and slow, so the food calls for fruity, denser, full-bodied reds with tannin and higher alcohol content.
Syrah has rich black fruit flavors, savory undertones, and higher alcohol levels, while Bordeaux-style blends and Cabernet Sauvignon make winter classics with their layered character. Italian varieties like Sangiovese or Nebbiolo bring an earthy, rustic flavor that pairs well with winter fare, including vegetarian dishes, while Malbec is rich and robust and goes perfectly with a good steak.
The bold, deep flavors of our Malibu Coast Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are perfect for wintry weather. Pair either with roast turkey or chicken and creamy sauces for a delicious winter meal.
Enjoy California Wine All Year Long
With so many options, there’s something for every season and every meal, from bright whites to bold, beautiful reds and rosés in between. AJA Vineyards, located in the Malibu Coast AVA, benefits from a unique climate that produces exceptional grapes, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Chardonnay.
Join our Wine Club to receive shipments of our Malibu Coast wines throughout the year, customize your membership to suit your preferences, and enjoy access to limited-edition wines and discounts all year long.