As the nights grow longer and the temperatures drop, winter warmers come into their own. I recently sat down with Henry Jeffreys, who shared his thoughts on seasonal comforts inspired by The Kinks’ classic song “Autumn Almanac.” He began by reflecting, “When the weather turns colder and darker, the words ‘Tea and toasted buttered currant buns / Can’t compensate for lack of sun / Because the summer’s all gone’ really resonate.”
Henry pointed out that our food and drink choices are greatly influenced by the seasons. “Before the advent of tanning salons or winter retreats to places like Lanzarote, the way for Britons to capture a bit of sunshine in the autumn was through comforting foods and drinks,” he explained. “Wines like port and sherry brought warmth from the south into the chilly, rainy backdrop of northern Europe. It’s interesting to consider that their popularity has waned as our homes have become better insulated. Yet these wines truly shine during this time of year.”
However, Henry noted that fortified wine aficionados have other options. “Marsala, a unique variety from western Sicily, was beloved by historical figures like Lord Nelson and Giuseppe Garibaldi,” he said. “While many cheaper marsalas are mostly suitable for making tiramisu, I recently discovered the 18% Martinez Marsala Superiore Garibaldi Dolce. It tastes like alcoholic sticky toffee pudding with walnuts. Doesn’t that sound delightful? It’s also a steal at just £8.99 for a half-bottle from Majestic when you order a mixed case of six.”
Henry emphasized that winter warmers don’t have to be overly sweet or boozy; they simply need to be packed with flavor. “That crisp white wine that paired beautifully with spaghetti vongole in July just won’t cut it on Bonfire Night,” he advised. “If you’re willing to splurge a bit, I recommend the Arbois Savagnin Domaine Jean-Louis Tissot 2020 from Yapp Brothers. Priced at £24.75, it offers a rich profile that combines elements of white Burgundy and fino sherry with fresh apple notes and a toasted almond finish. Pair it with a herb and butter roast chicken, and you’ll forget all about the lack of sunshine.”
He went on to share his top five recommendations for keeping warm and cozy during the colder months:
1. **Asda Extra Special Languedoc White 2023** – £8, 13%. This wine, with its citrus and thyme notes, is a fantastic companion for roast chicken.
2. **Paul Mas Reserve Merlot 2023** – £10 Tesco, 14%. A distinct southern French rendition of merlot, featuring flavors of black olives and rosemary.
3. **Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2020** – £13 (£10 with clubcard) Tesco, 14.5%. This luscious blend of syrah, grenache, and mourvèdre is an autumn favorite that always satisfies.
4. **Larry Cherubino Ad Hoc Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir 2023** – £14.90 Noble Green, 12.5%. Bursting with maraschino cherry and cinnamon notes, it’s one of the best pinots he’s tasted all year.
5. **Babylonstoren Babel 2022** – £17.49 Waitrose, 14%. A robust yet beautifully balanced Cape blend featuring shiraz, cabernet, and other varietals.
With these selections, you’re sure to stay warm and content despite the chill in the air.
