Last of the Summer Wine
With summer slowly slipping softly southward, we thought we'd select some seasonal superstars for sipping your way into those cooler, darker evenings, and that smell of wet leaves and yesterday's bonfire in the morning. You know, the one you lit to keep warm because gas costs more than a 1947 Cheval-Blanc...
LET'S START WITH SOMETHING WHITE
White wine as autumn takes over from summer need to have texture and richness, perfect for heavier dishes or hearty salads.
Leeuwenkuil Marsanne - South Africa
I love this wine. Marsanne is a grape variety mostly found in the Rhône Valley and not from South Africa. What a treat! Here we have a gorgeous rich, citrusy punch and a hint of vanilla. this is classy stuff indeed. Roll out the rich cream sauces, this would be heavenly with Moules Marinière.
Cicada Gewürztraminer- New Zealand
You want curry? Thai food? No problem. This New Zealand gem has lychee fruit, rose petal and Turkish Delight. With a freshness not found with Alsatian Gewürztraminer, this dry white goes with anything spicy.
La Rifra Riserva Il Bepi - Italy
From Lugana, this Trebbiano is given extra richness by judicious use of oak. Stone fruit, rich peach, and a creamy honeyed texture.
MOVING ONTO THOSE AUTUMNAL REDS
Reds that aren’t too heavy are perfect for this in between time as you edge away from the garden furniture and retreat through the patio doors and make hard choices between jumpers and lighting fires.
A great alternative to Pinot Noir and a fab wine to chill for half an hour or so. Like it says on the bottle, lots of cherry flavour and touches of spice. A real favourite with the staff here at Whitmore & White.
Chateau Croix de Grezard - France
Englishman Bill Boulter who owns this Château is not one to blow his own trumpet, and here the wines do the talking. This Merlot dominated right bank claret has soft and restrained fruit that maintains concentration and freshness. Just coming into its prime this is a great partner to lamb, duck, and other game birds.
Bright ruby colour and fragrant, heady aromas with delightful hints of raspberry, wild strawberry, and violet. It has a suitable ‘chew’ and a touch of spice. A little Pecorino cheese with that? Yes please!
FREE LOCAL DELIVERY & NATIONAL DELIVERY
As well as being able to pick up a bottle of any of these wines in our award-winning shops in Frodsham or Heswall, you can also order here online for free local delivery (see qualifying postcodes here) or national delivery. Don't forget orders for national delivery are free when you spend over £120, and you'll get 10% off when you buy a mix of any 12 or more bottles of wine.