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23 Oct 2025

6 wines to cheer autumn and pair with comfort food

6 wines to cheer autumn and pair with comfort food

With pumpkin season in full swing, a chill in the air and leaves turning shades of gold, crimson and orange, the next thought is what to sip, to drink in the autumnal vibe.

That’s especially the case as farmers’ markets abound with freshly picked produce, while home-cooked, comfort food suddenly becomes irresistible.

To bring everything to the table, these are the wines to make your midweek suppers sing…

1. Orange Sunset Wine 2024, France, £7.99, Lidl in-store

If you’re new to the amber wine arena, this is a delicious discovery with everyday drinkability – and perfectly in tune with spicy curries; chicken tagine with dried apricots and savoury spice; or Manchego cheese.

Also known as skin-contact wines, orange wine is a type of white with extended contact with the grape skins – aka red wine techniques – for a deeper colour, complexity and tannic structure.

Awarded 88 points by Lidl’s master of wine, honeyed, fruity aromas lead to a textured palate with hints of dried fruit, marmalade and sweetish bitter note on finish.

2. Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Reserve 2024, France, £10, Waitrose

A French fancy without the price tag, this is your all-singing, all-dancing white with an IWC (International Wine Challenge) 2025 silver medal under its belt.

Instantly appealing and deftly blended, viognier, marsanne and grenache blanc are in the mix … expect stone fruit aromas with hints of white peach, florals; ripe and fruity, similar flavours unfold with a fabulous freshness and crisp finish. Food-friendly, think pan-fried seafood and hard cheeses such as Comté.

3. M&S Kisi Qvevris 2022, Georgia, £11, Ocado

Another great introduction to orange wines, this gem is made using traditional Georgian methods; the white grapes are fermented in large clay vessels called qvevris, and buried under ground for several months.

The result? A rich, flavoursome wine with peach, honey and orange peel aromas, hints of dried fruits and long, grippy finish. One for roasted root veggies.

4. Ramón Balbao Crianza Rioja 2022, Spain, £11.25, Tesco

For a slug of Spanish warmth, you can’t go wrong with this tantalising tempranillo from a leading producer at the top of its game. Impressive from the word go, the wine spends 14 months in American oak; beautifully aromatic, waves of ripe black fruits, plum and cherry draw you in.

Similar flavours unfold with cloves, spice and a lick of vanilla joining the party. Vibrant and joyous, it’s a crowd-pleaser with roast leg of lamb studded with rosemary and garlic.

5. Journey’s End Spekboom Syrah 2023, WO Coastal Region, South Africa, £11.75, Morrisons

A smooth, spicy, sun-kissed shiraz, the wine opens up with lifted black fruit aromas, spicy notes and touches of black pepper. Layered with well-defined blackberry fruit, there’s enough depth and freshness to make it a winner with gourmet sausages, mustard mash and gravy… or pretty much anything you fancy.

Named after the spekboom native plant, its sustainably and ethically produced.

6. Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc 2024, Stellenbosch, South Africa, £16.99, Amps Wine Merchants

A rich, complex chenin blanc, here South Africa’s signature white grape is all about creamy ripe fruit, texture and length. A sunbeam of flavour, hints of baked apple combine with juicy peach and vanilla; a delicious creaminess balanced by fresh acidity, with good concentration, and touch of citrus on the lingering finish.

A winner with creamy fish pie or mushroom risotto.

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