With the onset of autumn comes the desire to change the wines that refreshed us all summer long.
A new season is a time for wine drinkers to celebrate. Okay, as winter hurtles towards us, those delicious summer wines that made the bbq so much better are becoming a distant memory but the autumn options are just as appealing.
Just as our rosé and Sauvignon Blanc was the perfect partner to a picnic at the park, a rich, intense Pinot Noir or a big-hitting Chenin Blanc will be a delightful accompaniment to a hearty meal in front of a roaring fire.
You see, there’s really no need to be upset about the passing of summer. There are far too many stunning wines to sample over autumn, and winter for that matter, to sulk.
So what makes a good autumn wine? Well, first off, don’t feel that you need to abandon the wines you’ve been drinking all through summer. A good wine is a good wine, after all.
However, a really good autumn wine could be described as a comfort wine. Think of a darkened room, a big rug, a roaring fire, rain pelting off the window and the amber reflection of flames on your glass.
What would you want in that glass at that very moment? A light, fruity dessert wine that tantalizes the taste buds? Probably not.
You’re probably already thinking full-bodied, full of character, big flavours, perhaps a touch of oak. In short, you want a wine that fills the void left by sunshine and barbequed kebabs.
Lucky for you, there’s an autumn treasure trove of wines that do just that, reds and whites.
A good place to start when choosing your autumn wine treats, is to have a little think about what you may be eating with them.
It’s out with the crunchy salads and in with the comforts of stews and fish pies and all sorts of other delicious warmers.
So, those creamy, buttery foods need a companion with a touch of acidity to cut through them. Secateurs Chenin Blanc (£12) is just perfect for that.
Is Chardonnay an autumn wine? Of course it is! Autumn wines should satisfy and a Chardonnay will always do that. But it has to be the right one, of course.
Stick to the same method when searching out your autumn Chardonnay as you would with any other autumn wine though. Look for bigger wines, for example something that’s a little richer.
We would suggest Millton Crazy by Nature Chardonnay (£14) as a beautiful wine to enjoy through the colder months.
There is another particular wine that no self-respecting autumn wine drinker would neglect to have in the cellar or on the rack.
The Pinot Noir is regarded by many as the ultimate autumn and winter wine and why not? It has all the qualities that a wine for the chillier months should have.
Drinking a Pinot Noir is the wine equivalent of putting on your favourite knitted sweater and cosy slippers. Okay, maybe that’s not how everyone would see it.
Regardless, this deliciously smooth big-hitter with silky tannins is the epitome of what autumn wine drinking should be about.
Please don’t think we’re dismissing the Pinot Noir’s summer credentials but there is just something special about enjoying a glass or two of this complex wine when the mercury starts to plummet.
There are few more special than the Logan Weemala Pinot Noir (£13) from the Mudgee region of New South Wales in Australia. This scintillating wine offers earthy notes and hints of cherry.
Autumn really is one of the most interesting times of the year to be choosing wines so get your warm boots on and head on out for a couple of bottles of these firecrackers.
Better still, log on to the Lockett Bros store and check out our fine selection.
More top Autumn wine choices
Amano Primitivo (£10)
Nuevo Mundo Carmenere (£11)
Allegrini Valpolicella Classico (£13)
