As summer fades and autumn starts to peek around the corner, it’s the perfect time to update your wine choices. We’ve been enjoying light, crisp whites all summer long – looking at you Malvazija Istriana – but now, with the days still warm but the nights getting cooler, it’s time to switch things up. But which white wines are ideal for this in-between season? Let’s dive into five white wine grape varieties that offer the perfect balance of summer freshness and autumn warmth, and what foods to pair them with for the ultimate cosy vibe.
1. Viognier: Lush and Aromatic
Viognier is like that friend who shows up with a smile and a bouquet of flowers – bright, charming, and full of character. It’s a great alternative to lighter summer wines, offering a richer, more complex profile. Expect notes of peach, apricot, and a touch of floral aromas that add warmth to your glass.
Why It Works: Viognier’s lush fruit flavours and fuller body make it a perfect bridge between the crisp whites of summer and the cosier flavours of autumn. It’s smooth and satisfying without being overwhelming, perfect for when the days are still warm but the evenings are starting to cool.
Food Pairing:
Pair Viognier with roast chicken or creamy mushroom pasta. Its rich fruit flavours complement the savoury notes in these dishes, bringing a nice balance of freshness and depth.
2. Chenin Blanc: The Ultimate Versatile Wine
Chenin Blanc is a grape that can do it all, and its versatility makes it a great choice for this transitional period. From dry to sweet styles, Chenin Blanc brings vibrant acidity with flavours of baked apples, pears, and a hint of honey – a perfect mix of summer fruit and autumn cosiness.
Why It Works: Its high acidity keeps it refreshing enough for a late summer afternoon, while its deeper fruit and honey notes add warmth, making it perfect as the air cools. You can enjoy it across a variety of styles, depending on your mood.
Food Pairing:
Chenin Blanc is fantastic with spiced pork chops or a butternut squash risotto. The acidity cuts through the richness, while the wine’s slight sweetness brings out the flavours of the spices and squash.
3. Gewürztraminer: A Spicy, Aromatic Choice
If you’re in the mood for something bold and different, Gewürztraminer is your go-to. This wine is full of aromatic spices and exotic fruit flavours like lychee, ginger, and even a touch of rose petal. It’s warm and slightly sweet, which makes it perfect for that shift from summer to autumn.
Why It Works: With its bold aromas and spicy undertones, Gewürztraminer feels like autumn in a glass. The tropical fruit keeps the summer vibes alive, while the spices hint at the cosier, more comforting days to come.
Food Pairing:
Gewürztraminer pairs beautifully with spiced lamb tagine or a mild curry. Its sweetness and spice balance the rich, savoury flavours of these dishes, making it an exciting and exotic match.
4. Riesling: Crisp Yet Complex
Riesling is the chameleon of wines, able to be dry or sweet and always bursting with bright, fresh flavours. In this transitional season, look for a slightly richer Riesling with notes of apple, honey, and citrus. It has just enough acidity to remind you of summer, but with a depth that suits the cooler days.
Why It Works: Riesling’s acidity keeps it fresh, while its honeyed complexity adds warmth and richness. It’s a perfect pick for those warm autumn afternoons when you still want something refreshing but more complex than your typical summer sipper.
Food Pairing:
Riesling pairs perfectly with pork and apple sauce or smoked salmon. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of these dishes, while the wine’s sweetness enhances the savoury flavours.
5. Albariño: A Fresh Coastal Breeze
Finally, we have Albariño, a fresh and zesty wine that feels like a last taste of summer. With flavours of lemon zest, green apple, and a hint of minerality, it’s perfect for those lingering warm days when you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer.
Why It Works: Albariño’s fresh, citrusy punch and light texture make it ideal for early autumn, when the days are still sunny but you want something with a bit more depth than your standard summer white.
Food Pairing:
Albariño is fantastic with seafood paella or grilled prawns. Its acidity and minerality enhance the flavours of seafood, making it feel like you’re enjoying a coastal breeze with every sip.
So, whether you’re easing into autumn with a glass of crisp Riesling or embracing the warmth of Viognier, there’s a white wine variety for every mood this season. Cheers to the perfect summer-to-autumn transition!