Perfect Matches for Seasonal Food This November

Seasonal squash and mushrooms deserve this Pinot Gris: Pumpkins and mushrooms are abundant at present and indeed, many other forms of squash. What better accompaniment could you get than a fine bottle of Pinot Gris from Domaine Sipp Mack. This is the same grape variety as Pinot Grigio but when grown and fermented in Alsace, another breed of wine emerges. This is richly flavoured, completely un-oaked so loads of pure fruit yet with a faint hint of spice that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin and the earthiness of the mushrooms. For those of you that haven’t tried it, it’s well worth a try, it’ll really surprise and delight you! 

And the perfect match for comfort food: A red that will be perfect for this time of year is the Lagrein from Elena Walch. This grape variety is one that is only found around the town of Bolzano in the Alto Adige close to the Elena Walch winery. It makes brightly fruited and well flavoured reds that are great with red meats especially casseroled. Last time we were there we had it served with braised pig’s cheeks. Not everybody’s cup of tea we know but rest assured the wine will be! Try it with a good old English steak and kidney pudding or for the northeners reading this, it’s great with a hot pot too!

Lastly, we had a tasting the other day and the Indaba Chenin Blanc really stood out offering great value for money. Fresh, well fruited with some stoney minerality beneath. Ideal by itself or with food, it’s a real bargain.