26th August 2024 | Top Drops | 3 minute read
Many people assume that as we head into autumn it’s time to crack open the reds. Of course, a glass of rich and fruity Malbec on a dark, wintery evening always hits the spot, but a rich, luscious white can feel just as deliciously indulgent. So, white wine lovers, this rundown of our top whites to pair with cosy nights in is for you!
First up we have a small-batch premium Chardonnay from the adventurous winemakers at Black Flag. Always pushing the boundaries of what Aussie wine can be, they have created an oaked Chardonnay that’s surprisingly subtle with a refreshing citrus core and an unexpected touch of fine tannins. Light and crisp yet rich enough to pair with roast chicken and all the trimmings, it’s a great bottle to have in your autumn winter wine rack.
Our friends at the Manzanos Family Estate made this wine especially for us. The brief was to make a rich and complex white which would be perfect to enjoy over winter and the Castillo de Logrono certainly delivers! It’s had some time in oak barrels which has resulted in some lovely nutty, toasty flavours. An excellent choice for a Sunday roast.
You may associate Riesling with Germany but our friends across the pond in Washington State have taken on this cool-climate varietal and it’s fair to say it is thriving! This wine has been described as “consistently one of the best values in the world” by Sean P. Sullivan at Wine Enthusiast, and we wholeheartedly agree. It beautifully balances sweet peach and zesty citrus flavours with a steely mineral backbone. A fantastic wine for spicy Asian cuisine.
Sauvignon Blanc may be deliciously refreshing in the summer, but this Savvy B from France is just as delicious in the winter with roast chicken or pork. Stylistically this wine is a bit of a blend of classic French Sauvignon and Marlborough Sauvignon. It’s ramped up to the max with mouth-watering flavours of gooseberry, cut grass and citrus overlaid with that refreshing minerality, typical of Sauvignon Blanc.
Hungarian wine may not be your usual wine of choice, but trust us when we say this region is really on the rise and producing some top-notch vino. This white has been crafted from 100% of the native Furmint grape variety. You can expect some lovely spicy aromatics and rich stone fruit but there’s a freshness here too. A great food match for warming mushroom dishes and stews.
This White Burgundy is from the prestigious Mâconnais region which makes some of the best Chardonnay in the world. Only some of the grapes are barrel aged so you get a bit of creaminess but it doesn’t overwhelm the soft apple and stone fruit flavours. Stunning as an aperitif or alongside any white meat dishes.
Many think New Zealand is a one trick pony when it comes to wine, with it becoming hugely popular for its Sauvignon Blanc. However, this is absolutely not the case! And this Pinot Gris from our friends at Forrest is proof of that. Superbly aromatic and full of energy, this white will certainly brighten a dull winters day. Full of rich tropical fruit flavours with a touch of spice, pair this with a meaty fish dish or a heart warming chicken stew.
This Spanish white is bursting with freshness thanks to the coastal influences which these Albariño vines encounter in the Rías Baixas region. Plenty of tropical fruit aromas can be found with a bit of saltiness on the palate which is typical of a Spanish Albariño. The perfect match for all kinds of seafood dishes, whether it’s white fish in a creamy sauce or a lovely carby fish pie.
A wonderful example of what Loire has to offer outside of the more well-known areas, and a wine which definitely needs to be on your list to try. From Muscadet, this vino is complex yet elegant and creates a wonderful balance with those winter warming dishes you’ll be indulging in at this time of year.
Crafted from Chardonnay grapes grown in the Malleco region of Chile – one of the country’s most southern wine regions – this De Martino Tres Volcanes has a mellow texture, with notes of apple and lemon on the palate, alongside hints of almond, thanks to the light oak ageing this vino has been exposed too. The delicate richness of this wine makes it a perfect match with a roast Turkey – so if you are looking for a wine to accompany your Christmas dinner, this could just be it!
