We'll be spending autumn in the kitchen, whipping up a feast and tucking into it with the perfect bottle of wine. Here are seven of our favourite pairings for the season.
There's something about holing up indoors when the days turn chilly that inspires us to cook something special. It's might be because it's the season for warming food, when the house is filled with the smells of stews and braises, or simply because we're just spending more time indoors. Either way, it's a time of year that calls for fantastic recipes and equally as brilliant wines.
We've teamed up with Virgin Wines to celebrate their new Vineyard Collection, a limited edition collection which has seen it secure vineyard plots around the world – in Riebeek and Franschhoek in South Africa, Henners Vineyard in East Sussex, Roussillon in France and McLaren Vale in Australia – for its first foray into making its own bespoke wines. We've been busy looking through our recipe archive to dig out the perfect dishes to enjoy them with – as any good pairing should, the combinations we've chosen bring out the very best in both the food and the wines.
Pairing suggestion: Vineyard Collection Konstantia Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023
Notes on pairing: A delicate wine which brings together lime, herbs, nectarine and peach and goes hand-in-hand with dishes that complement that freshness – Vietnamese and Thai recipes are a brilliant fit. Take Thuy Diem Pham's fried spring rolls – they're filled with a pork mince, prawn, spring onion, mushroom and glass noodle filling and served with a zingy lime and fish sauce dressing, vibrant, fresh flavours that enhance this wonderful wine.
Pairing suggestion: Vineyard Collection Oak Valley Swartland Cinsault 2022
Notes on pairing: This is a moreish wine with flavours of red fruit, tea, herbs and sweet fruit. When it comes to pairings, options that complement that fruity, herbal, sweet nature are ones to look for – the richness of Emma Macdonald's pork rillettes, which she makes with garlic, herbs, peppercorns and juniper berries, are a beautiful contrast to the wine's acidity and fruitiness, balancing out the flavours nicely.
Pairing suggestion: Vineyard Collection English Sparkling Wine NV
Notes on pairing: This sparkling wine is brimming with richness and complexity – there are notes of citrus, cox apple and pear, as well as sweet brioche, which gives a long, elegant finish. The baked apples in Helen Jessup's apple custard tarts will echo the apple and pear notes in the wine, while the buttery biscuit base will match the creamy brioche. A gorgeous dessert ideal for apple season.
Pairing suggestion: Vineyard Collection Old Vine Stockie Semillon 2023
Notes on pairing: You'll quickly pick up on the citrus and mineral flavours of this vibrant wine. While it would be excellent with grilled prawns or langoustines, we think a glass with Michael Bremner's seared tuna dish is a match made in heaven. Tuna's meaty texture and the citrusy dressing are a great partner for the wine's bright acidity – Michael finishes the dish with a garnish of carrots and peanuts for added freshness and texture.
Pairing suggestion: Vineyard Collection Syrah Grenache 2022
Notes on pairing: Rose water, violets and black fruit give way to a fruity palate in this Grenache and Syrah blend. Look for dishes that can handle its richness – Francesco Mazzei's comforting paccheri with lamb ragù is a great example. The rich, slightly gamey flavour of lamb pairs well with the wine's floral aromas and ripe fruit. Make sure to get hold of the best quality ingredients for this hearty classic.
Pairing suggestion: Vineyard Collection Munzy McLaren Vale Old Vine Grenache 2023
Notes on pairing: With this wine, focus on food pairings that will highlight its fruitiness and spice – we've chosen Selin Kiazim's delicious Turkish köfte. The spiced lamb pairs wonderfully with the wine's cherry and raspberry flavours, while the smoky, spicy heat of the Aleppo chilli butter also elevates those spicy notes.
Pairing suggestion: Vineyard Collection Pedder McLaren Vale Old Vine Shiraz 2023
Notes on pairing: Bryan Webb's take on steak au poivre is our pick for this rich wine – the beefiness of the meat pairs well with its plum and dark cherry fruitiness, and the black pepper crust brings out the liquorice, cedar and spice. A winning combination. Serve accompaniments of your choice with this French bistro classic – we're going for home-made chips and a fresh green salad.