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Taste of autumn: fruity reds to toast the season


By Features Reporter

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With the countryside a golden glow and wine harvests and festivals in full swing, there couldn’t be a better time to cosy up with a glass of red to match the feel-good factor of tucking into autumn’s rich bounty of seasonal produce.

Picture: PA Photo/iStock
Picture: PA Photo/iStock

Here’s a couple of favourites...

Irresistible Pinotage 2017, Swartland, South Africa (£7, Co-op stores)

This smooth, juicy, pinotage (South Africa’s signature red grape is a cross between cinsault and pinot noir) is worth a go if you like a fruit forward, plummy style. A great success with roast leg of lamb and herb-infused roasted potatoes, given its bold brambly, mulberry fruits, thread of smoky spiciness and satisfying finish.

Tempus Two Quartz Series Shiraz 2018, NSW Australia (£7.50, Sainsbury’s)

Bright, fun and fruity, this is a soft shiraz that’s light on its feet at 12.5% abv, but really hits the spot with its luscious blackberry and raspberry fruits and offers plenty of deliciously sweet and spicy flavours, with good ripeness and length. Bang on the money, and a perfect pairing with chilli con carne and all your favourite sides.

Davida 2018, DO Navarra, Spain (£8, Co-op stores)

‘Vida’, meaning life in Spanish, this gorgeous garnacha will kick any get-together up a notch with its punchy, fruit forward style. A brilliant crowd-pleaser, there’s a sweetness to the ripe forest floor of black fruits that mingle with juicy strawberry notes and flash of pepper on the finish. Pairs perfectly with hearty stews, pork and beans, and much more.

Taste the Difference Saint Chinian 2016, Languedoc, France (£8, Sainsbury’s)

The sunny Languedoc is a powerhouse for deliciously priced blends, and fans of culinary herbs will love this rich, characterful red that’s marked by bold, sun-ripened fruit notes, a bouquet garni of thyme and rosemary, and wealth of spicy, plump, red berry flavours. A perfect coming together of syrah and grenache, serve with slow-cooked lamb, coarse country paté and roasted veg.


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