Leaves are turning golden and there is a definite chill in the air; autumn has arrived in the northern hemisphere. It’s one of our favourite seasons, a time where we transition from light and zesty wines to bigger, fuller wines.
And yet, while the days may be growing shorter, there’s something quite wonderful about evenings in, curled up next to the fire with a glass of wine.
To help you find the perfect pairing for autumn, we’ve selected our favourite wines, so you can really soak up the season.
Xavier Vins Châteauneuf du Pape, 2018
This wine is a great ‘transitional wine’ – for those autumn days that are still rather balmy and have you craving all the depth of a red but without the heaviness.
A typical Rhone blend, this wine is full of juicy black fruits, revealing layers of spice and liquorice as it evolves in the glass.
Try it with: Roasted duck with figs, grilled rib of beef, roast beef.
Ferraton Condrieu Les Mandouls, 2018
Viognier is one of our favourite wines all year around but those with a touch of oak ageing are our top pick for the cooler months.
Alongside fresh orange blossom, golden apple and nectarine, this wine has nutty and honeyed notes, and a long finish.
Try it with: Roast chicken or pork, Coq au Vin, chicken in tarragon or baked cod in a creamy sauce, wild mushroom risotto.
Château Barbara et Cae Terra, 2017
A full-bodied red, this Syrah and Grenache blend is a wonderful red expression from Provence.
With pronounced notes of cassis, blueberry and dark cherry, alongside cedar and leather, this wine is concentrated with structured tannins that call for big hearty dishes, like beef Bourguignon.
Try it with: Beef bourguignon, mushroom and sage ravioli, cassoulet, entrecôte steak, roast lamb or lamb shank.
Charles Joguet, Clos Plante Martin, 2016
Eight years of bottle ageing adds a rich complexity to this Chenin Blanc, bringing depth and a fuller body, perfect for autumn sipping.
Alongside bruised apple, nectarine and almonds, expect taste, honey and greengage. The textured mouthfeel yet still racy acidity makes this a brilliant pairing with slightly oilier or higher fat dishes.
Try it with: Pork belly with apple sauce, salmon en croûte, fish pie, chicken in a creamy sauce.
Champagne Jean Boucton Réserve Rosé
We don’t need a season to drink champagne (we drink it all year round). However, if we were to pick one sparkling wine for autumn, our Champagne Jean Boucton Réserve Rosé would be the winner.
With intense red fruits, generous mid-palate and clean acidity, this champagne is a gastronomic wine, pairing perfectly with meaty dishes and desserts.
Try it with: Venison terrine, saucisson sec, roasted duck breast and desserts like strawberry and white chocolate panna cotta, and Eton mess.