By Robert Giles

While it’s not quite time to give up on summer wines, I would start thinking about some heftier red wines to start working into the rotation. Because before long it will be heartier meals on the menu and cooler evenings on the patio that often call for bolder wines.

Here are some Italian red wines that will be fantastic on their own or can elevate that weeknight dinner to a truly relaxing evening with loved ones.

Toscana wines are all about freedom to create the best wines without the strict rules of the well-known Chianti region. While these wines will use sangiovese as the base of the wine, they will also blend in other varieties such as cabernet and merlot. Such is the case with Banfi's Belnero, a wine that explores sangiovese wine with more body and a more balanced tannic structure. Pouring a glass of this deep red wine will give aromas vanilla and blackberry that leads into a blackberry jam flavor with notes of coffee and tobacco. Balanced and structured tannins pair well with red meats, pork ragu, or a rich pasta e fagioli soup.

The nero d'Avola grape is a native grape to Italy and specifically the Sicily region. Taking its name from Avola on the south east coast, this grape began as a blending grape but has lately taken off as a single varietal in its own right. Dark ruby red in color, this wine is rich in juicy, dark cherry flavors with floral hints and tobacco notes. Balanced tannins are strong enough to hold up to rich meats but does not get overly strong. Pairs well with braised oxtails, steaks, and chicken cacciatore.

Barolo wines are made from the nebbiolo grape and can produce some of the richest and strongly tannic wines you'll find. This wine from M A Monticelli is a rich indication of what is possible with these wines giving notes of red currant and kirsh with an earthiness that carries strong, grainy tannins in a pale ruby red color. This wine will pair well with roasted wild mushrooms, braised beef and polenta, or a pasta bolognese.

Valpolicella is an interesting region for wine in that it is made from a blend of three native Italian grapes; corvina veronese, rondinella, and molinara. The combination of these native varieties gives a full bodied wine with softer tannins than the previous wines. That is not to say that this wine will not surprise you, the notes of dark cherry give way to an easy drinking wine that will have a medium finish. This wine compliment big meats and rich sauces such as duck ragu, cioppino, or stuffed bell peppers.

While this is only a small selection of the variety of red wines available from Italy, each one is fantastic in its own way and will easily become a part of your cooler weather cravings.

The main thing to remember with Italian wines is that while they are enjoyable on their own they are all made with food pairings in mind. Try them with any strong rich dinners you have planned this fall or, if you are unsure, ask one of our wine experts for help. We can always help you celebrate Fall. Cheers!