As the weather in the UK is currently in an in-between stage, no-one is quite sure whether to expect an Indian Summer or full-on Autumn. Either way, it’s time to switch from summer wines to a different flavour as we prepare for the start of a new season.
The long, hot summer has meant plenty of lighter white wines and roses being enjoyed with picnics and barbecues, but Autumn mists bring with them the urge to switch to something a bit more substantial. After all, at some point the temperature is set to drop and nights will become chilly.
Late summer temperatures
Many whites work for warmer days and nights, as well as when the temperature drops. For example, if we head to France and the southern Languedoc region, we can find a huge variety of wines at decent prices. An interesting grape from the region is the terret blanc, which delivers refreshing citrus along with sharp acidity. The Villa Blanche Terret Blanc has all of this along with a lemony mouthfeel and is the perfect accompaniment to salty snacks such as anchovies and olives.
Another grape from the same region is Muscadelle, which tends to be used in Bordeaux blends. It’s unconnected with the more commonly known muscat grape. The Chateau Peyreblanque Blanc, Graves, 2016, is a wine consisting of 80% Muscadelle and 20% sauvignon gris. After a short oak ageing, it has a tempting and subtle flavour that combines riche fruit, a floral nose and a definite smokiness from the gris. It goes perfectly with lobster and oyster for a special late Summer dinner party.
Blended whites
A blended white that works very well is the Papa Figos Douro Branco 2016. Only a few white wines come from this region, and this uses local grapes and is named after the beautiful golden oriole bird. It’s a full character wine, with stone fruit and peach flavours working well with the refreshing texture, making it tasty with grilled fish dishes.
While many people will have been enjoying the easy nature of pinot grigio during the hot weather, another version for Autumn is very interesting. The Slovenian Seven Numbers 3 Pinot Grigio 2016 has an oaky texture, along with green apple, stone fruit and vanilla notes.
Mix it up
Another wine ideal for late summer days is The Grey Slate, Dr L, Private Reserve, 2017, from the Mosel region in Germany. An approachable mix of peach, pineapple and lemon flavours with a dry edge, it’s lovely with some simple seafood.
Of course, there are no hard and fast rules about the kinds of wine you should enjoy during different seasons. However, it’s always nice to mix it up and try new flavours as we wait for Winter to arrive and move on to deeper, more textured, full-bodied wines.
Ideal Wine Company 