TOP DROPS

Dazzling canopies of gold and crimson leaves abound, and the days are fresh and cool. What better time to enjoy one of our 13 autumn drops, specially selected by MiNDFOOD’s Master Sommelier to pair with meals of the season.

We’ve selected 13 of our favourite wines for autumn, and tell you what meals to pair best with them.

Being locked down at home has meant extra time in the kitchen for many of us – exploring different cooking methods, finding new ways to spruce up old favourites or rolling out tried and true creations. I’m well known for my beetroot, spinach and smoked salmon risotto and try to add a new twist every time I make it.

It seems that – from my social media feed certainly – we are all expanding our culinary horizons. You may have noticed your sense of smell has been heightened – you are more aware of food aromas at certain stages of preparation, and you may also be paying attention to the presentation of a plated meal, as well as the importance of texture, flavour, intensity and taste. Wine also engages the senses in a different way when you pay attention to the story it delivers to the nose and palate.

The onset of cooler weather means our diet and wine selections shift, taking on a different meaning and application. For example, adding cream to soups will allow for a wine with a lot more weight and power to take on the richness and protein of dairy; whole baked potato with butter and sour cream requires a wine that has more fruit power and acidity to manage the sweetness and caramelisation the cooking brings. Smoked fish or red meats added to pasta dishes need wine with noticeable earthy flavours and textures.

With these ideas in mind here are twelve autumnal wines to source and enjoy with the richer, bolder flavoured foods you are now creating. The wines, and the pairing suggestions come from my personal ‘lockdown’ menu.

“ADDING CREAM TO SOUPS ALLOWS FOR WINE WITH MORE WEIGHT.” CAMERON DOUGLAS