Fall for Fantastic Flavours this Autumn

Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons in Hunter Valley. As the summer heat subsides, the region’s vineyards undergo a magical transformation as the leaves turn vibrant red, orange, and yellow, and the cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to explore the region.

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As the leaves fall and cooler temperatures set in, autumn also becomes a welcome relief for many of us, offering a refreshing break from the summer's swelter and prompting a shift in our wine and culinary cravings.

Here are a few wine picks to stock your fridge and cellar this season.

Don't let the cooler temperatures deter you from enjoying a glass of your favourite Rosé. This versatile wine, a true champion of all seasons, pairs beautifully with a wide variety of foods and flavours. Its ability to handle spices and heat makes it an ideal companion for Middle Eastern, Mexican, Thai and Greek dishes.

Those lighter-style reds you have been enjoying in the warmer weather remain an optimal choice for the cooler moments of autumn; however, now is the time to enjoy Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sangiovese, Grenache, Cabernet blends and medium bodied Shiraz at room temperature.

Similarly, medium-bodied white wines are seasonally perfect, particularly with comfort foods like roast chicken and creamy pasta. From an elegant Chardonnay to a rich and textural Pinot Gris or a zesty Semillon, these white styles well with all sorts of autumn fare. A wine renowned for delivering the fantastic flavours of autumn, Pinot Noir has become very popular in Australia as an alternative to some of the bigger and bolder reds. As a light to medium-bodied wine with an aromatic nose and hints of cherry and raspberry flavours balanced by smooth tannins, Pinot Noir is a particularly flavoursome wine ideal with roasted meats, salmon, and tuna dishes.

Another seasonal favourite, medium-bodied but deceptively light in colour, Grenache is a varietal packed with raspberry and red plum aromas. This crowd-pleasing wine is excellent alongside cooler weather dishes such as grilled or braised beef, veal, pork and chicken. The typical young Hunter Valley Shiraz is an elegant, medium-bodied wine showing red and dark berries, spices and a great deal of tannin. The wines become far more complex and full-bodied with age, yet smooth and richly flavoured with some earthy tones. These wines are excellent paired with grilled or roasted red meats.

Sangiovese is perfect for autumn sipping. Not only does it offer you flavour satisfaction, but it is the ideal match for the creamier and richer meals that you crave once the cool weather moves in. Like all Italian wines, Sangiovese is well-matched for the flavours of chicken, grilled red meat, lamb, slow-roasted pork, pasta, stews, or well-aged cheeses.

When it comes to the whites, most Chardonnay lovers will drink Chardonnay regardless of the season, but it is the perfect choice for autumn. The style that has emerged today is all about letting the fruit take centre stage, with other elements, such as oak, taking a supportive role. A medium-bodied style is a perfect match for autumn’s classic characteristics. Enjoy with pies, buttery sauces, shellfish, risotto, pasta or chicken dishes such as butter chicken curry.

Viognier is another compelling white, with flavours that can include tangerine, peach, mango, honeysuckle and even roses. Enjoy a glass of Viognier with exotic dishes such as orange chicken, turkey with cranberry chutney, or any curry with a citrus garnish.

Regionally unique, Hunter Valley Semillon is proof that autumn is not just about red wines. This Bordeaux-borne grape is often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, giving an otherwise lush, mouth-filling wine a welcome zippiness to make an excellent choice for those autumn-inspired dishes. Pinot Gris is another excellent choice for this time of year. It is rich just the right amount of spice from some time in oak. This wine is great for transitioning from dry, crisp whites to something more complex and superb with a chicken pie or pork tenderloin.

Sparkling Wines can be enjoyed at any time of year – not just for celebrations but as a fine friend for autumn-centric starters, including frittatas, pies and quiches.

Autumn is all about transition—and it's an excellent time to try something new. To get you thinking about what to stock in the fridge or cellar this season, we have curated an eclectic mix of top-rated drops to try.