As the weather turns colder and the days grow shorter, many of us find ourselves longing for a bit of sunshine in our lives. In the past, people turned to comforting drinks like port and sherry to bring a taste of the south to rainy northern Europe. These fortified wines not only provided warmth but also a sense of coziness that helped ward off the chill of winter.
While port and sherry may have fallen out of favor in recent years as homes have become better heated, they still have a special place in the hearts of many wine lovers, especially during the autumn and winter months. However, they are not the only options for those looking to brighten up their nights with a glass of sunshine.
One unique fortified wine that deserves attention is marsala, a style hailing from western Sicily that was once a favorite of historical figures like Lord Nelson and Giuseppe Garibaldi. While most cheap marsalas are only good for making tiramisu, there are some gems out there like the Martinez Marsala Superiore Garibaldi Dolce, which offers a delightful combination of sticky toffee pudding and walnut flavors for just £8.99 a half-bottle.
For those who prefer something less sweet and boozy, there are plenty of flavorful options to choose from. The Arbois Savagnin Domaine Jean-Louis Tissot 2020 from Yapp Brothers is a perfect autumn white wine with hints of rich white burgundy and fino sherry, making it an ideal pairing for roasted chicken with herbs and butter.
In addition to these recommendations, here are five more bottles to help keep the cold at bay:
1. Asda Extra Special Languedoc White 2023 £8, 13% – A citrus and thyme-flavored white wine that pairs beautifully with roast chicken.
2. Paul Mas Reserve Merlot 2023 £10 Tesco, 14% – A southern French take on merlot with notes of black olives and rosemary.
3. Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2020 £13 (£10 with clubcard) Tesco, 14.5% – A ripe blend of syrah, grenache, and mourvèdre that is perfect for autumn.
4. Larry Cherubino Ad Hoc Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir 2023 £14.90 Noble Green, 12.5% – A delightful pinot noir with flavors of maraschino cherry and cinnamon.
5. Babylonstoren Babel 2022 £17.49 Waitrose, 14% – A sturdy yet balanced Cape blend of shiraz, cabernet, and other varieties.
Whether you prefer the warmth of a fortified wine like marsala or the crispness of a white wine like Arbois Savagnin, there are plenty of options to choose from to brighten up your nights as the days grow colder and darker. So why not treat yourself to a bottle of sunshine this autumn and enjoy the cozy comfort it brings.
