So following on from our latest club box release I have also put together a little list of wine styles and grapes that can be a useful guide to ensuring you drink well this Autumn! From the classics to the lesser know grapes from lesser know regions we have got all bases covered

Classic Autumnal Reds

So when I think of Autumn my mind goes straight to game season. I'm talking venison, pheasant, pigeon and everything in between. These earthy and funnily enough "gamey" meats tend to pair beautifully with earthy Pinot Noir's, something like the Stocco Pinot Nero or Jean Claude Rateau, Bressandes 1er Cru if you wonna go fancy! 

Spicy Rhone Syrah's are also a great bet with Domaine Lattard, Syrah, from the lesser know Ardeche region, punching above its weight or Guillaume Giles, Cornas for those special occasions.

Of course no Autumnal dinner would be complete without a nod to Dad's favourite Bordeaux blends so anything Merlot-y or Cab Sav vibes. I'm thinking Chateau Du Barrailh, La Grave Singalier for something that does not break the bank or the wonderful and slightly more niche Closeries De Moussis, Haut Medoc when you want to show off. 

Classic Autumnal Whites

If white is more your thing then definitely looking at something fuller bodied with a bit of fattyness. So things like oaky Chardonnay like Toques & Clochers, Limoux for a real buttery number or the rarer Dominque Derain, St Aubin Sur Le Sentier 1er Cru if you want to push the boat out. Both made with sustainable practices at the forefront. 

Full boded Chenin such as this cracking value Badenhorst, Secateurs or the fantastic Domaine Aux Moines, Savannieres-Roche Aux Moines. Both made according to organic and biodynamic principles.

Even some BIG Viogniers would be a great call particularly those from Condrieu, I love the organically made Francois Dumas, Condrieu. Yes its pricey but it is sublime! 

Classic Wines That Work Well With Aumtunal Veg

Autumn also tends to bring a glut of mushrooms and squash so looking at things like Tempranillo, Dolcetto, and Barbera for the earthy mushrooms and oaked Chardonnayor Marsanne and or Rousanne for the Squash. One great rule is to match like for like so earthy notes in mushroom tend to go really well with earthy wines hence looking at Barbera, Dolcetto and Tempranillo and the rich almost butteryness of some squashes cries out for something buttery and rich in the wine so Chardonnay is a go to but try a Marsanneor Rousanne (or blend as they often are) if you want to branch out and try a lesser known grape. Even Albarinos with lees ageing and textured Rieslings can be a perfect Autumnal wines. The extra depth can match up to the heartyness of Autumnal fare and the acidity can cut through the richness. 

Lesser Known Grape Varieties & Regions For You To Consider This Autumn

If you are a keen wine explorer and like to discover new grape varieties and lesser know regions then the South West of France is a great place to start. With much overlooked regions like Gaillac, Marcillac, Madrian, Jurancon, Entraygyes Et Le Fel and Cahors to name a few there is much to discover. Reds from grapes such as Fer Sevadou (or Bracoul) to the chunkier and full bodied Tannats. Electric whites (both sweet and dry) from the lesser trodden regions like Jurancon made from the Manseng(Petit & Gros) to the elegant whites of Bergerac where you can get white Bordeaux quality at a fraction of the price. I love to work with these smaller growers to champion the off the beaten path wines that can offer so much value and pleasure. My top pics for the season would be:

Domaine Perreau, Montravel Sec, 2023
Domaine Montesquiou, Jurancon Sec, 2020
Labranche Laffont, Madiran, 2019
Le Champ D’Orphee, Papillon, 2022
Chateau du Cedre, Camille Malbec, 2022

All of the wines above are made with growers who have organics, biodynamics or sustainability at the core of what they do which is why we love them.

If you're not sure where to start then you can always check out our Cave Club wine subscription boxes where you receive a quarterly seasonal wine box with a selection of 6 fantastic wines we think are tasting particularly great at that moment in time.