Our Staff Picks: October Favourites!

As autumn truly sets in and we embrace cosier evenings, our team has curated a wonderful selection of wines perfect for the season.

This October, our staff picks feature robust reds and intriguing whites, each chosen for its unique character and ability to bring warmth and enjoyment. Read on to discover the bottles that our team loved this month!

Peter's Piedmontese Discovery

Kicking off October, Peter chose the fascinating Claudio Mariotto Freisa Braghe, Colli Tortonesi. He highlights this Italian red as a brilliant example of Piedmont's lesser-known gems, offering juicy morello cherry fruit with a gentle floral lift and a touch of tannin for an appealing edge. Peter appreciates its vibrant yet substantial feel, making it a cracking red to enjoy both on its own or with a meal.

Claudio Mariotto Freisa Braghe, Colli Tortonesi

Single Price: £19.90

Mixed 6 Price: £17.90

Ellie's Autumnal Zinfandel

Ellie's pick for the month is the comforting Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel. She raves about this Californian red's ability to perfectly capture autumnal vibes, making it ideal for cosy evenings. Bursting with dark berry fruit, a hint of spice, and a lovely vanilla sweetness, it offers a rich and warming experience. Ellie loves to enjoy it while snuggling on the sofa with a movie, or paired with hearty dishes like barbecued ribs or stews.

Ironstone Old Vine Zinfandel

Single Price: £20.50

Mixed 6 Price: £18.50

Dan's Zesty South African Surprise

Dan brought something wonderfully refreshing to the table with his choice of Strange Bru Fernao Pires. He describes this South African white as a zesty twist on a Portuguese classic, shimmering with freshness. Expect a burst of ripe peach and citrus complemented by a flinty hint and a crisp, dry finish. Dan recommends this fun discovery as a versatile match for simply cooked fish or a takeaway curry with a coconut kick.

Strange Bru Fernao Pires

Single Price: £13.50

Mixed 6 Price: £12.50

Fraser's Biodynamic Blend

Fraser rounded out our October picks with the elegant Waterkloof Circle of Life Red. This biodynamic blend from Stellenbosch impressed him with its beautiful balance of juicy dark fruit and a savoury, earthy edge, all brought together by a lively freshness. Fraser praises its serious drinkability and versatility, recommending it with everything from roast lamb to veggie casseroles, or even everyday comfort foods like pizza.