Six Reds to Carry You Into Autumn – Warm days, cool nights. Meet six reds that bring energy, depth, and versatility to the season.
September brings that in-between moment, the days still glow with late-summer warmth, while evenings cool and hint at autumn. It’s the perfect time for reds with freshness and balance: wines that feel bright and lively with food in the afternoon, yet carry enough depth to satisfy as the night draws in. Our Red Refresh collection captures exactly that mood, with six hand-picked bottles ready for the season’s shift.
The Wines
2022 ‘Délèra’ Bardolino DOC, Guerrieri Rizzardi
Or as we call it – “The Lake Breeze Red”
Light, fresh, and joyfully drinkable, this Bardolino captures the easy charm of Veneto reds. Ruby in colour with a delicate perfume of cherries, redcurrants, and a hint of spice, the palate is silky and refreshing – red berry fruit with subtle herbal notes and a clean, lifted finish. Chill it slightly for even more verve.
For when: the sun’s still out and the food is simple but perfect.
Pairs with: antipasti, grilled vegetables, or a pizza on the terrace.
If this wine were a mood, it’d be an afternoon bike ride that somehow ends with dinner by the lake.
Guerrieri Rizzardi is one of the historic estates of Bardolino and Valpolicella, with centuries of winemaking heritage and vineyards on the shores of Lake Garda. Their Délèra cuvée showcases the lighter side of Corvina, offering brightness, balance, and drinkability that reflects the region’s breezy, lakeside terroir.
2022 Morgon ‘Cuvée Classique’, Domaine Jean Foillard
Or as we call it – “The Cult Classic”
Deep, pure, and effortlessly expressive, this is benchmark Beaujolais from one of the masters. Bursting with aromas of black cherries, ripe raspberry, and violet, with hints of spice and granite earth. On the palate, it’s supple yet structured – juicy red fruit framed by mineral precision and fine tannins. Long, lifted, and quietly complex.
For when: you want a red that’s soulful without being showy.
Pairs with: charcuterie, roast chicken, or a night when conversation matters as much as the wine.
If this wine were a film, it’d be a French New Wave classic – timeless, subtle, and cooler than you remembered.
Jean Foillard is one of the legendary “Gang of Four” producers who transformed Beaujolais in the 1980s with a return to old-vine vineyards, organic farming, and minimal intervention. His wines from Morgon are cult favourites: vibrant, alive, and authentic expressions of Gamay grown on granite soils.
2023 Malbec, Luigi Bosca, Mendoza
Or as we call it – “The Big Heart”
Dark, generous, and full of Mendoza sunshine, this Malbec opens with aromas of blackberry, plum, and spice, wrapped in notes of cocoa and vanilla. The palate is rich but polished – layers of black fruit and dark chocolate balanced by smooth tannins and a lingering finish. Bold but never brash.
For when: you’re grilling steaks, or just need a red with presence.
Pairs with: ribeye, empanadas, or a stormy evening indoors.
If this wine were a friend, it’d be the one who always brings the big stories – and the big hugs.
Luigi Bosca is one of Argentina’s most historic and respected wineries, founded in 1901 and still family-owned. With high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza and a focus on purity and balance, they’ve become a benchmark name for Malbec worldwide.
2019 ‘Plume’ Pinot Noir, Lake Chalice, Marlborough
Or as we call it – “The Featherlight Charmer”
Elegant and graceful, this Pinot Noir shows Marlborough’s cool-climate finesse. Aromas of wild strawberry, cherry, and a touch of spice lead into a silky palate with soft tannins and gentle earthy undertones. Light on its feet yet quietly persistent, finishing long and refined.
For when: the evening calls for something subtle but special.
Pairs with: duck, mushroom risotto, or just a quiet night in.
If this wine were a poem, it’d be a haiku – delicate, balanced, and leaving space for reflection.
Lake Chalice is an independent winery in Marlborough, New Zealand, established in 1989. Their Plume series is the flagship, showcasing hand-selected fruit from their best sites with a focus on purity, precision, and age-worthy elegance.
2022 Sousón, Ailalá, Ribeiro
Or as we call it – “The Wild Card”
Inky, vibrant, and bursting with energy, this Galician red is made from the native Sousón grape. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and violets mingle with hints of spice and smoky earth. On the palate, it’s fresh, juicy, and electric – dark fruit layered over bright acidity and firm but fine tannins. A red with bite and personality.
For when: you want something different, exciting, a bit edgy.
Pairs with: grilled octopus, tapas, or an adventurous crowd.
If this wine were a song, it’d be a flamenco riff – sharp, fiery, unforgettable.
Ailalá Atlántica is a young, dynamic winery in Ribeiro, Galicia, focused on native varieties and fresh, Atlantic-influenced wines. Their Sousón captures the spirit of modern Galicia – authentic, vibrant, and unapologetically distinctive.
2023 Côtes du Rhône ‘Le Temps est Venu’, Stéphane Ogier
Or as we call it – “The Time is Now”
Juicy, bold, and brimming with Rhône charm, this red blends Grenache and Syrah in a crowd-pleasing but polished style. Aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and peppery spice flow into a supple palate of dark fruit, herbs, and a touch of liquorice. Medium-bodied with silky tannins and a warming finish.
For when: the table is full and laughter’s loud.
Pairs with: lamb chops, cassoulet, or anything that feeds a crowd.
If this wine were a guest, it’d show up early, bring extra food, and stay till the candles burn out.
Stéphane Ogier is one of the Rhône’s star winemakers, best known for his benchmark Côte-Rôtie. Le Temps est Venu is his project to bring that same precision and elegance to a more accessible Côtes du Rhône – sourced from carefully selected vineyards and made with the same meticulous care as his top wines.
