As the sunshine fades and we drink up the last of the summer wine, we’re left in the limbo of the seasons. Winter creeps ever closer, with its warming mugs of hot drinks and spiced tipples, but in the meantime, what are you meant to drink?
Well, if a stew is bubbling on the stove and you’re settling in for a late-night movie marathon, you probably won’t be reaching for the sangria, but craving something more seasonally suited. Now is the perfect moment to pour out a glass of full-bodied autumnal vino. Here are four of our favourite delicious wines to “fall” in love with this time of year.
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1. Barolo
Autumn is all about comfort. That means we’re swapping out the lighter, brighter pairings of our summer dishes for a glass of something a little heartier — and Italian Barolo is just the ticket.
According to the experts at Pasta Evangelists, “Barolo is quite a bold wine, with a flavour profile of red fruits (red cherry and raspberry), rose, tar, cocoa, and spices (in particular, licorice and allspice)”. They recommend creamy pasta carbonara as the ideal Barolo food pairing, which perfectly balances the tannin structure of the wine.
This red from Piedmont is the perfect choice for chasing away those autumnal chills. With its complex flavour profile, each sip of Barolo will warm you from within. Get comfortable and get acquainted.
2. Tempranillo
Tempranillo is often called the “king of Spanish grapes”, and for good reason too. Traditional bottlings are aged for many years in mixed barrels of French and American oak, developing aromas of earth, tobacco and leather, as well as a classic mix of baking spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg. Tempranillo is available in a few distinct varieties, the fruitier among them known as “Joven” or “Crianza”, while the spicier, oakier “Reserva” bottles are aged for longer and often kept for the colder months.
While tempranillo grapes are grown all across the world, some of the most acclaimed bottlings come from the wineries of Rioja. The Spanish region’s wines are synonymous with full-bodied decadence and lend themselves perfectly for use in autumnal stews and tomato-based sauces.
3. Sémillon
The vineyards of Bordeaux offer a delectable selection of some of our favourite reds, typically made with Merlot or Cabernet grapes. But autumn isn’t just a season for red — the Sémillon grape produces a rich, full-bodied white boasting warming notes of almond and honey. These flavours pair particularly well with fresh autumnal veggies such as butternut squash, peppers and potatoes.
Sémillon is even sometimes mixed with its Bordeaux-borne neighbour, Sauvignon Blanc. The dry white “brings a vibrant fruit character and refreshing acidity, while Sémillon adds body, texture and allows complexity to develop”, according to the sommeliers at Wine Paradigm. Though a white wine might not be the first you’d consider after stumbling in from a long, dark autumn commute, you’d be remiss to ignore such a versatile offering.
4. Carignan
Producing a classic medium-bodied red, Carignan grapes were once the most commonly planted vine in France, before being usurped by Merlot at the turn of the 21st century. As a result, the widely-available varietal had a reputation as a cheaper wine, but has since grown popular with winemakers for its rich taste and smooth finish, especially among those that grow with older vines.
With notes of cranberry, cured meat and baking spices, this dry, fruity red pairs perfectly with beef brisket or any spicy dishes that are heating up your autumn. Carignan is a wine primed for dinner parties — complementing the intense, full flavours of mature cheeses and charcuterie.
