by Steph Rackley & Helen Miller
We caught up with our Commercial Director, Helen Miller to find out what she'll be drinking this Autumn....
🍂Which of your cellar wines are you looking forward to enjoying most, this Autumn?
I love it when the Autumnal weather starts to creep in and gives me an excuse to revisit the reds at home. I have far more reds than whites by virtue of who I work with and for! I can’t wait to open the Brunello and Super Tuscans, my particular favourite at the moment is Sassalloro by Jacopo Biondi Santi.
🍂Are there any whites you particularly like to enjoy at this time of year?
As the weather cools down, my whites get heavier and more oily. I move away from Sancerre and Chablis, into Ribolla Gialla and aged Albarino. I have been particularly enjoying Chan de Rosa’s Albarino Cuvee Especial 2020; a beautifully multi-layered wine with vanilla, apple pie and white flowers. I have also just discovered a love of Pernand-Vergelesses but I can’t afford that very often!
🍂What are your go-to reds for accompanying a traditional Roast Dinner?
Usually Bordeaux, I’m a bit of a stickler for this on a Sunday. We live next to a farm so have local lamb throughout the winter, often accompanied by something everyone will enjoy such as Château Clarke. Sadly not the heights of those I get to drink at work…
🍂What’s your favourite wine for cosying up in front of the fire after a chilly autumnal dog walk?
This is where the Rhône varietals come in, I always find the spice and depth of a GSM blend beautifully warming. I like to think you can taste the heat from that soil. Our Châteauneuf du Pape from Maison Emma M. Louise is drinking beautifully.
🍂Are there any new releases you’ll be stocking up on now for future drinking?
Yes, we have just started importing Marques de Tomares Rioja and the Gran Reserva 2015 is already a firm favourite. I’m also going to stock up on the Napa Cabs this year, I managed to get my hands on a case of Insignia 2010 and Promontory 2018 which is very exciting. I have also enjoyed discovering the lighter and more elegant Cabernets from Napa, particularly recently the Memento Mori 2018.