Industry News

Autumn Reds

Opt for light red wine styles when making the switch to red wines over autumn

As the days start to shorten and cool, many of us begin to switch focus from white to red wines. Before winter proper kicks in, lighter bodied red varieties such as pinot noir, grenache and pinotage can be good choices to help ease you from white to red in the most pleasurable way possible.

According to Toast contributor and Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas, pinot noir is a good option, as it’s almost always a dry wine, with medium body, and often has fine tannins (the dusty chalky texture) and elevated acidity. All of this adds up to wines that, while offering complex flavours, are easy to quaff while the weather yo-yos from warm to cool.

Here are our picks of good lighter red wines for this time of year…

Amisfield Pinot Noir

Perfect for this time of the year, you’ll find autumn berry notes, with dark chocolate and earthy flavours.

Ata Rangi Crimson Pinot Noir

Fragrant red cherry and boysenberry fruits are combined here with subtle spices for a juicy and smooth wine.

Mission Estate Vineyard Selection Pinot Noir

Full bodied, you’ll find silky tannins and sweet fruits in this pinot, with an intense and delicious finish.

Gibbston Valley Gold River Pinot Noir

Elegant tannins combine with bright cherry aromas, and tasty hits of spices, earthiness and fresh cherry.

Wild Grace Pinot Noir

Medium bodied, this smooth pinot noir offers flavours of rich red berries, herbs and oak.

Our Picks