Account Manager Top 5: Autumn Wines
The colour of the leaves is changing, the morning air is cooler, shops are beginning to fill up with seasonal products… Autumn is definitely here! We’re envisioning evenings of indoor entertainment, enjoying some heart-warming meals – but what are the best wines to accompany these?
Below are five great wines selected by our Account Managers that will keep the chill at bay.
1. Vistalba Corte C 2015
Bodega Vistalba was founded in 2003 by Carlos Pulenta, a driving force behind the Argentinian wine industry. Their vineyards are about 980 metres above sea level located in Luján de Cuyo, one of the oldest cultivated regions of Mendoza. The Corte C is a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. About a fifth of the blend is aged in French oak barrels for one year. The wine presents a bouquet of red fruits with floral hints. Flavours of red cherry and plums are followed by a juicy and refreshing palate, with soft tannins and a full-bodied finish.
Food pairing suggestions: Red meat, game and mushrooms cooked with herbs like sage, rosemary, pepper and mint.
2. Domaine Lafage Authentique Cotes du Roussillon Rouge 2018
Jean-Marc Lafage’s family has been growing grapes in Roussillon for six generations but it was Jean-Marc who decided to establish the Domaine with his oenologist wife, Eliane, in 1996. The estate now runs to some 138 hectares of vines across Roussillon, with parcels in the Agly Valley, Aspres and Perpignan. The Authentique Cotes du Roussillon is a blend of Carignan, Syrah and Grenache. It has an intensely fruity nose with an abundance of flower, chocolate and liquorish aromas and flavours. On the palate, it is rich and pleasantly structured, with an elegant finish.
Food pairing suggestions: Smoked meats, herb crusted meats and roasted vegetables with spices.
3. Springfield Estate Wholeberry Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Springfield Estate in Robertson has been owned and run by the Bruwer family since 1898. Today, brother and sister team Abrie and Jeanette Bruwer are at the helm. The Springfield approach involves sustainable viticulture, wild yeasts, long fermentations and a stubborn (but justified) belief that the rocky, chalky, unforgiving soils are perfect for producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon. The Wholeberry Cabernet Sauvignon is made through whole berry maceration using natural yeasts. It is aged in oak barrels for 12 months, and it is unfiltered and unfined. This is a smooth, full-bodied red wine with velvety, soft tannins. It presents the classic aromas and flavours of blackcurrant, forest fruits and vanilla, with a touch of warm spices.
Food pairing suggestions: Braised beef, rich grilled meat and peppery sauce.
4. Xanadu Estate Chardonnay 2017
Founded in 1977 by Irishman Dr John Lagan, Xanadu is a true pioneer of the West Australian wine region of Margaret River. With a rich history of producing wines of uncompromising quality, Xanadu wines are renowned for their distinct character that embody all that is Margaret River. Its characteristic Mediterranean climate and gravel sandy loam soils deliver ideal conditions enabling Chardonnay and Cabernet to flourish. The Estate Chardonnay is a very elegant wine that presents a bouquet of white flowers, pear, stone fruits and zesty grapefruit. On the palate, flavours of white peach, pear and citrus fruits are followed by a lovely creamy mouthfeel that add complexity to the wine. It’s a bright, refreshing Chardonnay with a lingering finish.
Food pairing suggestions: Fish pies and fish cakes, squash and mushrooms.
5. Royal Tokaji The Oddity Dry Tokaji 2017
Co-founded in 1990 by wine writer Hugh Johnson, Royal Tokaji has quickly become one of the most important wineries in Tokaj. The winery’s focus is on the region’s dry styles as much as sweet, using indigenous variety Furmint to create these finely balanced wines. Just like their sweet counterparts, the dry wines have a crisp acidity, complexity and a long finish. The Oddity Dry Tokaji, indeed, presents all the goodness of Tokaji, but dry. Very fresh and clean, it offers hints of citrus fruits and fennel. The long, flowery finish reveals an exciting freshness.
Food pairing suggestions: Delicate Asian dishes like sushi or dumplings, herb crusted fish or meat.
Want to chat about Autumn wines?
Contact your Account Manager or get in touch with us here.