5 Best Red Wines For Autumn

As disappointing as it may be, the Indian summer we had all hoped for looks like it has failed to materialise; leaving us all looking towards another long British autumn and winter. Fear not, however, as the latest Octavian feature looks to investigate the 5 best red wines for autumn.

This is just one of a series of guides that have been lovingly created by the fine wine experts and enthusiasts here at Octavian, so be sure to take a good look around our site to see if there is anything else that takes your interest.

Although any good quality wine can be enjoyed at any time of the year, there is definitely some that suit the warmer and cooler weather respectively. In fact, seasonal wine has become more and more popular as the British high street has continued to up its game in terms of price and of course, quality.

As we move into autumn, why not explore these five wines and complement them with some appropriate cuisine?

Carmenere Elqui Valley

Chile is, of course, one of the brightest emerging talents when it comes to reds and nothing says a cosy evening in with a curry, pasta dish or risotto more than this number.

This wine is made in the same vineyards as they brew the country’s national spirit pisco, and has a richness and spice that is hard to emulate. You can pick this autumnal red wine up from a number of high street retailers.

Castillo de Albai Tempranillo 2014

This young and fruity Rioja is a different prospect completely to the Carmenere but one that we think oozes “autumn-ness”. Similarly spice but fused with a lot more fruitiness, this is a bottle of red that would be a far better accompaniment to a cheeseboard or some rich meaty flavours. Perfect for a cloudy miserable evening when all you want to do is indulge!

EVC Chardonnay 2012

Believe it or not, autumn isn’t all about the reds. Granted the red wines dominate due to the chillier weather and good food complements, but we think the EVC chardonnay is a belter of an autumn wine. That is why we have rather naughtily snuck this chardonnay into our list of red wines to keep you cosy this autumn!

The oakiness you get from the French barrels this wine is matured in give it that rustic feel which really says to us that summer is on its way out and it’s time to throw on the woolly jumpers. Drink this fine wine with some roasted white meat and some season vegetables and we think you will end up quite content indeed. This is also an organic wine, giving you that feeling that you are really sampling some food and drink made the way it was meant to be!

Wairarapa Pinot Noir

Moving swiftly back to the soothing reds, you knew there would have to be at least one Pinot Noir in our list of the best red wines for autumn. Such is the versatility of this ever-popular style of wine, the lighter tannins and deep cherry or plum-like undertones make it perfect with autumnal dishes such as roasts and even cold cuts.

If you are planning a dinner party of any kind over the next month or so, then we recommend getting a case of Wairarapa as it is as drinkable as it is soothing.

Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages

Finally, we have decided to stick in a Beaujolais as the last red wine to sample this autumn. This wine has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence since being one of the food and drink trends of the 1980’s. It is unbelievable to think that the grapes in this wine were still on the vine just this summer but no one can argue with the fruity flavours this wine always delivers.

The light tones in this wine make it a perfect accompaniment to vegetarian dishes and salads, which may still make it to your dinner table in the early stages of autumn. Aside from that, Beaujolais are always quaffable in any weather, making it a fantastic party wine.

These five wines offer you all you need in terms of autumn vinos and with this in mind, we think there is something there for everyone. Be sure to peruse the rest of the Octavian site to see how else we may be able to help you with all things fine wine – from cellarage to wine maintenance.