10 wines for fall that won’t break the bank

The long awaited chill is around the corner, a time when wine lovers will be happy to sip hearty wines after a string of triple-digit temperatures.

Now is the perfect time to stock up on cool weather wines that won't break the bank. This list of top 10 bargain wines offers bottlings at $15 and under, with just a few exceptions. All marry well with autumn comfort foods such as pumpkin soup, braised meats and stews. Comfort food, after all, is at its best with a companion.

Bargains are not hard to find if you know what you're looking for, producers who are gifted at their craft at all price points. Many winemakers produce both high-end and low-end brands, and when they're committed to quality it shows up even in the less expensive bottlings.

When it comes to value brands, winemakers likely will be sourcing grapes from less prized appellations to save money on fruit so they can pass savings on to consumers. They also are likely to offer up more blends as a means of cost savings. But if you trust the winemakers' dogged determination to make great wine, you know you're in good hands.

The best match for pumpkin soup is a dry, spicy gewürztraminer to mirror the spices in the soup. There's also a tangy element in the best gewürztraminers and a burst of aromatics, which gives the flavor match a refreshing quality.

When it comes to braised meats, it's best to pair them with robust syrah; rich, full-bodied pinot noir; hearty blends; or a fruit-forward, less ripe zinfandel. (For the uninitiated, there are plenty of these types of zinfandels on the market these days.)

Braised meats typically have onions, vegetables, herbs and spices in the mix, so it's a good idea to match them with hearty wines that reflect their savory nature.

As for stews, a rustic syrah is the perfect choice to match their heartiness and spice. Rugged and robust syrahs are definitely the way to go here.

There are also some tasty, budget whites to consider offering with appetizers like fruits and cheeses. They work all year round and are just as appealing in the fall.

● Joel Gott, 2014 California Sauvignon Blanc, 13.9 percent, $15. This is a refreshing quaffer, with notes of nectarine, citrus and pineapple. Bright fruit coupled wi th vibrant acidity. A lingering finish. A steal for the price.

● Husch, 2014 Anderson Valley, Dry Gewürztraminer, 13.9 percent, $15. Enticing aromas of rose petal and spice, with bright flavors of grapefruit and mineral. This white's spiciness runs through its aromas and flavors. A knockout.

● The Mill Creek, 2013 Dry Creek Valley Gewürztraminer, 14.6 percent, $23. This is a striking gewürztraminer with yin-yang appeal. It's bright and zesty but has a honeysuckle finish. It has perfect balance and bright acidity, with layered notes of grapefruit, lemon and honey. It's very aromatic, a gorgeous gewürztraminer.

● Kendall-Jackson, 2014 Vintner's Reserve California Chardonnay, 13.5 percent, $17. A tropical chardonnay with mango and pineapple flavors up front. Aromas of honey, butter and a hint of vanilla. Nice length.

● Sebastiani, 2013 Carneros Steel Chardonnay, 14.3 percent, $19. This is a crisp chardonnay with an irresistible layering of stone fruit – nectarine and apricot. Bright acidity plays up the note of green apple. Lovely.

● Shebang!, Ninth Cuvee California Red Wine, 14.2 percent, $12. This is a juicy blend that isn't necessarily complex but it's just crazy good. Zesty, with just the right dose of cracked black pepper. Nice length.

●Layer Cake, 2013 Central Coast, California Pinot Noir, 14.5 percent, $16. This pinot has full-throttle cherry fruit, interspersed with anise and herbs. This pinot is downright generous. Gorgeous fruit. Juicy. A standout.

● Pedroncelli, 2013 Bushnell Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, 14.9 percent, $20. This is a fruit-forward zinfandel with aromas and flavors of cherry, pepper and dark chocolate. Layered, with a lingering finish. Smoky.

● Graziano, 2012 Mendocino County Syrah, 13.5 percent $19. This is a strapping syrah that has robust black fruit, toasty oak and white pepper. Bright acidity. Firm tannins. Long finish.

● Cline, 2013 Sonoma County Syrah, 14 percent, $14. Here's a briary syrah, meaty and spicy. Firm tannins. Layered and well integrated. Lingering finish. Rugged. Surprisingly good for the price.