Why Autumn demands a different approach to Wine
Autumn is a season of transition. The bright, zesty whites and chilled rosés that dominate summer drinking give way to richer flavours, softer textures and wines with a little more weight. The seasonal shift in food — roasted root vegetables, slow-cooked meats, wild mushrooms, hearty pastas and game — calls for bottles that complement, not compete.
It’s also a season where mood matters. Shorter days and cooler nights mean that wine is often consumed indoors, with family meals, dinner parties, or curled up by the fire. Choosing the right bottle can enhance these moments and anchor them in memory.
When building an Autumn wine rack, look for:
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Depth of flavour: darker fruits, earthiness, spice, or a touch of oak.
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Versatility with food: wines that handle hearty dishes but remain balanced.
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Comfort factor: bottles with texture and warmth, without heaviness.
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Occasion diversity: a mix of everyday reds, celebration wines and fresher whites for balance.
Our Top 10 Wines for Autumn 2025 meet these needs and more — a curated selection from across the globe, hand-picked for their seasonal relevance and food-friendly nature.
A Selection of Wines
Chosen by the Team for Autumn
Sparkling & White Wines to Discover and Enjoy this Autumn
Domaine Paul Nicolle Chablis Vieilles Vignes, Burgundy, France
Region: Chablis, Burgundy, France
Style: Chardonnay (from old vines)
From one of Chablis’ respected family domaines, this Vieilles Vignes bottling brings added concentration and depth from old vines. Expect classic mineral drive alongside ripe citrus, orchard fruit, and a subtle creaminess that gives more body than a standard Chablis.
Why it works in autumn: This is a white wine with the freshness of Chablis but the weight and texture to handle autumnal dishes. It cuts through rich flavours while bringing a warming depth that suits cooler evenings.
Pairing ideas: Oysters, scallops, creamy seafood risotto, roast chicken, baked trout with herbs
Conde Valdemar Rosé, Rioja DOCa
Spain
Region: Rioja, Spain
Style: Garnacha & Viura Rosé
Elegant salmon-pink rosé with red berry fruit, floral notes and a touch of spice.
Why it works in autumn: Proof Rosé wine isn’t just for Summer. With its depth and savoury edge, it complements seasonal dishes and brings freshness alongside richer meals.
Pairing ideas: Paella, roasted vegetables, salmon fillet, cured meats
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Conde Valdemar Rose, Rioja Alavesa, Spain
Price range: £13.10 through £141.48
Coates & Seely Britagne Brut Reserve NV, England
Region: Hampshire, England
Style: Traditional Method Sparkling (Chardonnay & Pinot Noir)
English sparkling continues to shine, and this Coates & Seely Brut Reserve shows why. Aged for three years on lees, it offers orchard fruit, lemon zest, and subtle brioche notes. Though sparkling, it has the structure to hold its own in cooler months.
Why it works in Autumn: The freshness cuts through rich starters, while its texture matches creamy dishes. It’s also the perfect celebratory pour for the first roast of the season.
Pairing ideas: Smoked trout pâté, roast chicken with herbs, creamy seafood pasta.
Barone Montalto Organic Pinot Grigio, Sicily, Italy
Region: Sicily, Italy
Style: Pinot Grigio
Lively Sicilian Pinot Grigio with citrus, pear, and crisp acidity.
Why it works in autumn: Provides balance in the line-up — a lighter white to refresh the palate between richer reds. Excellent for transitional menus.
Pairing ideas: Pumpkin soup, grilled sea bass, chicken piccata, lemon tart.
Red Wines to Discover and Enjoy this Autumn
Zensa Organic Primitivo IGP, Puglia,
Italy
Region: Puglia, Italy
Style: Primitivo (Zinfandel relative)
Primitivo thrives in Puglia’s Sun, producing wines with ripe blackberry, plum and chocolatey depth. Zensa’s organic approach ensures purity and balance.
Why it works in Autumn: Generous fruit and spice echo roasted vegetables and tomato-based dishes, while its warming alcohol makes it ideal for cosy nights.
Pairing ideas: Aubergine parmigiana, BBQ ribs, venison steaks, dark chocolate cake
Umani Ronchi Montipagano Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC (Organic)
Region: Abruzzo, Italy
Style: Montepulciano
Juicy red berries, spice, and lively acidity define this approachable Italian organic red.
Why it works in Autumn: Affordable, versatile, and easy to drink — perfect for weeknight suppers or pizza nights.
Pairing ideas: Spaghetti Bolognese, sausage casserole, mushroom pizza, roasted squash with sage.
Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
Region: Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
Style: Sangiovese with Merlot / Cabernet
Bright cherries, violets, earthy spice, and supple tannins. Elegant and structured.
Why it works in Autumn: Tuscan reds balance freshness with warmth, making them perfect for hearty pasta and roasted meats.
Pairing ideas: Wild mushroom pasta, roast pork, bistecca alla Fiorentina, Pecorino.
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Antinori Pèppoli Chianti Classico, Chianti, Italy
Price range: £21.00 through £233.10
Battle of Bosworth Puritan Organic Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia
Region: McLaren Vale, South Australia
Style: Organic Shiraz, no added sulphur
A bold yet pure Shiraz with peppery spice, blackberry fruit and smoky notes. Made without added sulphur, it’s vibrant and expressive.
Why it works in Autumn: Its intensity pairs with robust dishes and warming spices. Think cold nights, hearty stews and charred meats.
Pairing ideas: Moroccan lamb tagine, grilled sausages, spiced lentil stew, roasted portobello mushrooms.
Navajas Rioja Reserva 2017
Rioja, Spain
Region: Rioja Alta, Spain
Style: Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuelo
Aged in oak and bottle, showing layers of black cherry, cedar, vanilla, and leather. Silky tannins and long, elegant finish..
Why it works in Autumn: Rioja Reserva is Autumn in a glass — earthy, spicy, and perfect for roast dinners and slow-cooked dishes.
Pairing ideas: Roast lamb, beef stew, manchego cheese, wild mushroom casserole.
Château Gardegan Bordeaux Supérieur Organic, Bordeaux, France
Region: Côtes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France
Style: Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend
Cassis, cedar, earthy tobacco, and firm yet approachable tannins.
Why it works in Autumn: A fabulous organic Bordeaux withsStructure and savoury depth pair beautifully with roasts and game. Drink now or age.
Pairing ideas: Roast lamb with rosemary, game pie, braised beef.
