As the vibrant days of summer begin to fade, September brings a certain kind of melancholy despite its glorious skies and striking sunsets. But there is plenty to be cheerful about, as this month is not just a marker of the changing seasons but a celebration of nature’s bounty. Fresh local produce is in abundance and there are endless opportunities to enhance your gastronomic experience with some well chosen wines.
These white wines which will work wonders, with or without food, whatever the weather:
Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2022, (South Africa) £14.50
Founded in 1685, Boschendal are one of South Africa's most historic wineries. In recent years they have made a great push in sustainability, introducing regenerative farming practices and solar power for their winery.
Fresh citrus and stone fruit meet creamy texture and subtle spice, perfect for a veggie or poultry roast dinner, with all the seasonal veg.
Château La Bienveillance Blanc Organic 2022,(Bordeaux, France) £14.99
Biodynamic vineyard on an 8 hectare estate of which 1.2 ha is planted Semillon, half old vine, half young. This organic Semillon is superbly well balanced by crisp acidity and a lovely length. Fleshy and round, it shows attractive citrus character, aromas of honey, beeswax, dried fruit and is accented by white blossom and yellow plum on the palate.
It works a treat with oily fish such as mackerel or mild goats cheese salad with seasonal nuts.
A pure fruit driven nose, perfumed with cut limes and a hint of petrol. The wine has a perfumed honeyed palate and is intensely fruity with white peach flavours and mineral complexity. The finish is dry, refreshing and beautifully balanced, and incredibly open for a young Alsace Riesling.
The ideal 'food' wine, the fine citrus characters make this Riesling the perfect partner for fish, poultry, pork and hearty salads.
It’s not just the cultivated crops that make this time of year special, the wild landscapes come alive with opportunities for foraging and game meats become more accessible. Embrace the deeper, earthier flavors of the season with these rustic reds.
Château La Bienveillance Rouge Organic 2019, (Bordeaux, France) £14.99
OrganicMerlot, Cabernet Franc blend, matured for a short time in oak barrels, it's full of crunchy red fruits and juicy plum aromas. It has smooth tannins, well balanced acidity and a long finish which makes it a pleasure to drink.
This works well with poultry or game birds.Cape Wild Pinotage 2024 (South Africa) £10.75
Pinotage from Paarl’s deep sandy loams, all fruit is hand-harvested and ferments with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in 300- and 600-litre barrels. A hint of Franschhoek Syrah introduces a subtle layer of white spice to the final blend.
The wine presents a bright ruby hue with an inviting nose of ripe plum and cherry. On the palate, rich plum flavours are complemented by a lifted, layered finish, with a touch of toasty oak adding depth.
Perfect with venison, roasted root veg or South African bobotie.
Alo Jais Noir Carignan 2023, (Catalanes, France)£12.99
From the Cotes Catalanes, between Corbieres and the Mediterranean this wine boasts fruit from old bush-vines of Carignan, a grape that thrives in this arid region.
Bold black fruit aromas, hints of spice and earth on the nose and a full-bodied palate with soft tannins and a smooth blackberry-led finish.
A lovely wine for simple fare like sausage casseroles, lentils or roasted root vegetables.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the wine harvest begins and it won’t be too long before our Sussex grapes will be achieving optimal ripeness. If you want to support our local producers, look no further than Plumpton Estate.
Plumpton Estate Sparkling Rose NV, (Sussex) £32.95
Plumpton Rock Lodge, (Sussex) £15.49
So, let’s embrace the abundance of September as we transition into this beautiful season and drink health and success to the farmer and vintner alike.
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