3 2020 Luigi Baudana Dragon
Langhe Bianco
The Wine Society, £11.95
Italy
From Serralunga, deep in the heart
of barolo country, comes this
strikingly clean, fresh dry white
produced by the Vajra family. It’s
an unusual blend of chardonnay,
nascetta, sauvignon blanc and
riesling, but the combination really
works and it delivers a wealth of
crisp green apple flavour. Another
excellent pairing with pasta.4 2018 José Antonio García
Unculin Mencia
Bowes Wines, £15
Spain
Produced in the northwestern
region of Bierzo from the unsung
mencia grape, this is one of the
most intriguing reds I’ve tasted
recently. It seems to carry thearomas of autumn in a glass with its
gamey, smoky character, reminiscent
of the farmyard. Silky and dense on
the palate, it’s ideal with slow-cooked
pork and fragrant mushrooms.5 2017 Tesco Finest Barolo
Tesco, £17
Italy
Nebbiolo is the go-to grape for any
truffle-infused dish, whether from
a splash of oil or a grating of the
genuine article. Although not
particularly old, this barolo, produced
in partnership with Fratelli Martini
Secondo Luigi, has a dry, chewy
mouthfeel and already displays
mature notes of raisin, dry tea and
cherry. One for the decanter.6 2019 Poggerino Chianti
Classico
Lea & Sandeman, £19.95
Italy
Here’s a thrilling chianti, crafted
by the renowned winemaker Piero
Lanza. It has all the signature notes
one expects of sangiovese, Italy’s
noblest grape, from ripe cherry
and herbaceous aromas to fresh,
tangy acidity on the finish. Meat,
mushroom, pasta, ragu — this
pairs beautifully with pretty much
everything on the autumnal table.1 2 3 4 5 6