Four warming wine pairings for autumn with L'Art Du Vin
Autumn is always a great season for eating and drinking, with comfort food and warming drinks aplenty. As the days are getting shorter, darker and colder, we’re looking for wines that have the hygge factor.
We asked Richard Bouglet from L’Art Du Vin, an independent Scottish wine merchant, for his top seasonal wine picks. Not only will these wines keep us cosy as the weather closes in, they’ll also match wonderfully with autumnal dishes.
“When I think of autumn dishes, I think of game, mushrooms and root vegetables, packed with delicious umami flavours. I also think of squash and in particular pumpkin, which is delicious in risottos or tortellini and finished with a drizzle of sage butter. Pumpkins are definitely not just for Halloween. I also think of the wonderful and heart-warming braised meat dishes that return as it gets colder, including steak pies and beef bourguignon,” says Richard.
“With squashes, and in particular pumpkin, a richer style of white, without necessarily being oaked, is ideal. A classic Chardonnay pairs nicely, as well as more aromatic varieties such as Pinot Gris or Malvasia. As Chardonnay is experiencing a renaissance, why not indulge in one from its original home, Burgundy, specifically Southern Burgundy. A delicious organic St Veran would work well and also pairs perfectly with creamy poultry dishes like a chicken and tarragon pie.”
Saint Veran, Domaine de la Croix Senaillet, Burgundy France 2017 - Buy now, £18.15
“When you think of New Zealand wines, you automatically think of Sauvignon Blanc, however, for me Pinot Gris is the best variety in Marlborough, especially when produced by the iconic winery, Little Beauty, with the former Deputy Head wine-maker from Cloudy Bay, Evelyn Fraser at the helm. This wine also pairs well with pumpkin recipes but is delicious served alongside dishes with East Asian influences with ingredients such as lemongrass and Thai basil.”
Pinot Gris, Little Beauty, Marlborough, New Zealand 2014 - Buy now, £20.35
“Dishes featuring game and mushrooms are packed with savoury umami flavours, so it is always best to avoid high tannins red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec otherwise the pairing might be too bitter and overpowering. For these dishes it is best to go with varieties that have similar flavour profiles to Pinot Noir blends such as Valpolicella. Its juicy cherry flavours with light tannins and good acidity make a delicious combination. This wine is from the first family in their region of Italy to be certified organic and vegan.”
Valpolicella DOC, Fidora, Veneto, Italy 2016 - Buy now, £19.95
“Whether it is a traditional Sunday roast beef, or a steak pie, a heart-warming spicy red will bring you as much warmth as a roaring fire. As Britain has become Tour de France aficionados, you will no doubt have heard of Mont Ventoux, one of the hardest and most famous stages of “Le Tour”. Ventoux is also a lesser known part of the Rhone regions, offering excellent value for money and flavours of liquorice, black cherries and raspberries, which is perfect for hearty beef dishes.”
Les Terrasses Rouge, Chateau Pesquie, Cotes De Ventoux, France 2016 - Buy now, £13.75
Visit the L’Art Du Vin website to find out more about their range of artisan wines from across the world.