A Season of Transition | Autumn Wines
- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
As the summer heat retreats and the vineyards of Hunter Valley transform into a breathtaking tapestry of crimson, amber, and gold, wine enthusiasts are treated to one of the region's most magical seasons.
Autumn in Hunter Valley offers not just visual splendour but also the perfect climate to explore the region's renowned wineries and vineyards. The shifting seasons bring with them a natural transition in our wine preferences—a movement from the light, refreshing varieties of summer toward more complex, warming options that complement autumn's distinctive character and cuisine.
The Perfect Autumn Pour
While the cooler temperatures might suggest abandoning certain summer favourites, don't be too quick to relegate your rosé to the back of the wine rack. This versatile wine continues to shine through autumn, particularly when paired with spice-forward cuisines like Middle Eastern, Mexican, Thai, or Greek dishes.
As we embrace the cooler evenings, now is the ideal time to enjoy those lighter-bodied reds at room temperature rather than slightly chilled. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sangiovese, Grenache, and medium-bodied Shiraz come into their own during autumn, offering complexity without overwhelming the palate.
Reds for the Season
Pinot Noir has gained tremendous popularity in Australia as a lighter alternative to our traditionally bold reds. With its aromatic profile showcasing cherry and raspberry notes balanced by smooth tannins, it pairs beautifully with autumn staples like roasted meats, salmon, and tuna dishes.
Hunter Valley Shiraz deserves special attention during this season. The region's signature red typically presents as an elegant, medium bodied wine in its youth, featuring notes of red and dark berries complemented by spices and substantial tannin. With age, these wines develop remarkable complexity while maintaining balance—making them excellent companions for grilled or roasted red meats. Grenache, though lighter in colour, delivers a medium-bodied
experience packed with raspberry, red plum, and subtle tobacco aromas. This crowd-pleaser excels alongside autumn dishes like braised beef, veal, pork, and chicken.
For those seeking an Italian-inspired experience, Sangiovese offers the perfect autumn sipping. Its profile satisfies flavour cravings while complementing the richer, creamier meals we tend to favour as temperatures drop. Try it with chicken, grilled red meat, lamb, slow roasted pork, hearty pasta dishes, stews, or aged cheeses.
Whites That Shine
Contrary to popular belief, autumn isn't exclusively red wine territory. Medium-bodied whites prove particularly delightful with comfort foods like roast chicken and creamy pasta dishes.
Chardonnay enthusiasts will find autumn the perfect time to showcase this versatile varietal. Contemporary Australian Chardonnay styles let the fruit take centre stage, with elements like oak playing a supporting role. These medium-bodied expressions match autumn's classic characteristics and pair wonderfully with pies, buttery sauces, shellfish, risotto, pasta, and chicken dishes.
Hunter Valley Semillon stands as definitive proof that autumn accommodates white wines beautifully. This regionally distinctive varietal sometimes blended with Sauvignon Blanc, offers a lush, mouth-filling experience with a welcome hint of zestiness—perfect for autumn inspired dishes.
Viognier offers another compelling white option featuring a flavour profile that may include notes of tangerine, peach, mango, honeysuckle, and rose. Enjoy it with exotic dishes featuring citrus elements, such as orange chicken, turkey with cranberry chutney, or curries with citrus garnishes.
For those transitioning from crisp summer whites to something more substantial, consider Pinot Gris. Rich and textural with apple and pear notes complemented by subtle oak-derived spice, it pairs splendidly with chicken pie or pork tenderloin.
Beyond Still Wines
Sparkling wines needn't be reserved for celebrations — they make excellent companions for autumn starters, such as frittatas, savoury pies, and quiches. Their versatility and food-friendly nature make them year round options rather than occasional indulgences.
Embrace the Transition
Autumn represents change and exploration, the perfect opportunity to venture beyond familiar favourites. The Hunter Valley's cellar doors are brimming with options that capture the essence of the season, from lighter styles that echo the fading warmth of summer to more robust offerings that anticipate winter's approach.
This Autumn, as you witness the spectacular autumn display across Hunter Valley's vineyards, take the opportunity to parallel nature's transition in your glass. Whether you're cosying up by a fire with a medium-bodied red or enjoying a crisp afternoon with a textural white, the region's autumn wine selections offer something for every palate and occasion.
Wines to try this Autumn!
Hungerford Hill
Malbec
A rose bottle masks a deeper more inviting wine. This brilliant example of a cool climate red wine is unlike any other Malbec found in the Hunter. With a finish that just begs you to have another sip, it's perfect for changing seasons.
TASTING Brilliant notes of rose and cedar compliment the opulent blackberries and chocolate notes on the palate.
FOOD MATCH A succulent Chinese meal.
CELLARING 5 years.
PRICE $50
Latitude 32 Wines
Limited Edition Pinot Noir 2023
This Pinot Noir is made only when the vintage conditions are perfect. Sourced from 45-year-old
dry grown vines produce low yielding, exceptional quality fruit. The 2023 vintage experienced a long and cool growing season, allowing the fruit to gracefully ripen and extract a full flavour
profile.
TASTING A lively, pulpy and bright Pinot Noir with cherries, red berries and spices on the nose. Cherry, light cedar oak and a slight hint of spice, this wine has great depth and presence. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Succulent and crunchy, with volume.
FOOD MATCH Roast chicken or salmon, duck
(obviously!) and mushroom dishes.
CELLARING 7-10 years.
PRICE $60.
Wandin Estate
2021 Reserve Chardonnay
A white wine with a bit of weight, that is perfect for those cooler Autumn afternoons overlooking the vineyard.
TASTING Peach, nectarine, matchstick, butterscotch.
FOOD MATCH Chargrilled octopus with Moroccan cous cous and fresh lemon.
CELLARING Drink now or up to 5 years.
PRICE $50.
Tamburlaine Organic Wines
2024 Point 65 Pinot Noir
For every 100m elevation, the air temperature falls by 0.65 degrees Celsius. Such small differences in vineyard altitude influence varietal expression. This defining factor inspired us to create point 65. Warm, dry growing season with balanced vine canopies made for a smooth winemaking process with this Pinot Noir.
TASTING Youthful energy with flavours of fresh strawberries and plums - soft with fine tannins. FOOD MATCH Soft goat cheese on fresh bread or a mushroom risotto.
CELLARING 5 years.
PRICE $35
Blueberry Hill Vineyard
2023 Shiraz
An exciting change in style for Blueberry Hill Vineyard, the 2023 Shiraz is an equal blend of estate grown and Barossa Valley sourced fruit, resulting in a unique, delicious wine, bringing the depth and weight of the Barossa to compliment the fruit complexity of the Hunter Valley.
TASTING Distinct berry notes on the initial palate, with a smoky, leathery finish. Oak presence is subtle.
FOOD MATCH Red meats, especially steak.
CELLARING 10-15 yrs.
PRICE $50.
Ben Ean
Still House Wines Tempranillo
The Still House Tempranillo is sourced from a one and half acre block on the Ben Ean Vineyard. This planting is believed to the be oldest planting of Tempranillo in the Hunter, planted in the mid 1990’s. Tempranillo is a variety that is wonderfully suited to the warm climate of the Hunter Valley.
TASTING Upfront flavours of blood plum and raspberry give a mid-weight and gamey mouth feel. The mid palate is spicy with flavours of dried herbs. FOOD MATCH BBQ lamb cutlets, cured meats and pickled vegetables.
CELLARING Now – 4 years
PRICE $38
