Fine wine markets and recommendations are changing with the weather as we move into autumn. Understanding more about fine wines going into the autumn of 2022 will help you to choose something perfect, whether you are looking for fine wine investments or for something delicious to enjoy.
Current fine wine market trends
The fine wine market has been strong for the last few years, and this rise continued in the first half of 2022.
In July, this growth faltered, and global marketplace Liv-ex recorded a 0.3% dip. Liv-ex 1000 is an index that tracks the prices of 1,000 fine wines from around the world. The fine wine market has seen consistent price increases totalling 36% over the last two years, despite the slight July price drop.
Some fine wines have driven this growth more than others. Notably, Burgundy and Champagne have been behind a significant amount of the Liv-ex 1000 fine wine price increases.
Based on current market trends, experts believe the fine wine market will plateau through autumn and into early 2023. Global economic instability has caused drops in many markets, but most investors are confident that the fine wine market will remain relatively strong.
While steep fine wine price increases can’t continue forever, the weakened sterling is likely to make purchasing imported fine wines more expensive for Britons.
Pinot Noirs to try this Autumn
Pinot Noirs are a red wine typically cultivated in cooler regions, most famously from the French Burgundy area. The US, New Zealand, and Chile are also known for the high-quality Pinot Noirs they produce.
Wine lovers worldwide favour Pinot Noirs, particularly heading into autumn, as the wines are light-bodied and have an earthy yet smooth balance well-suited to cooler temperatures. In addition, this type of red wine goes excellently with a range of foods.
So, which Pinot Noirs should you consider purchasing going into autumn 2022?
Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir
Domaine Serene is an Oregon winery founded over 30 years ago. According to Vivino, the well-balanced Pinot Noir has an average price of just under £100, making it one of the more expensive wines on our list.
The Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine with red fruit, oak and earthy notes. Most describe the wine as smooth, dry, and quite acidic, with a long finish.
Suggested food pairings for this wine include beef, veal, game, and poultry.
Three Sticks Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir
Those seeking a more mid-priced wine should consider the highly rated Three Sticks Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir. Grown in California, the Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir has an average price of £67.71, according to Vivino’s user reports.
The bolder red wine has red fruit notes of cherry and strawberry alongside oaky cola and oak flavours. The very dry, smooth, and slightly acidic Pinot Noir also has an earthy base with some smoky and forest floor notes.
Fess Parker Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir
The Californian Fess Parker winery Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir is a more budget-friendly option. With average online prices of approximately £20, this American red is an excellent choice for fine wine lovers searching for a bargain.
Sitting between light and bold, the Fess Parker Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir is relatively dry and neither too soft nor too acidic.
The Californian wine has smoke and leather earthy tones, with vanilla and tobacco oak notes. Cutting through these notes, the Santa Rita Pinot Noir also heavily features bright red fruit notes, particularly cherry, strawberry, cranberry and raspberry.
Whether you try a Pinot Noir or alternative wine this autumn, don’t forget the importance of storing an open wine bottle properly if you don’t finish it in the first sitting.
Sommelier recommended wine and food pairings
Colder weather brings with it warmer and heartier menus. The perfect wine choice should complement and enhance the enjoyment of the meal.
London sommeliers and fine dining restaurants have shared some interesting pairings to try this autumn.
Filippo Carnevale, Amethyst’s head sommelier, recommended a pigeon-based meal partnered with a 2016 Renato Ratti Barolo Conca. The gently spiced cherry and charcoal red wine is described as velvety and flatters the gamey flavour of the pigeon.
Alternatively, Isa Bal, Trivet’s head sommelier, proposes trying a monkfish dish with a white burgundy. His recommendation is the 2019 Domain Génot-Boulanger Meursault-Boucheres Premier Cru. Bal describes how the oaky, full-bodied, and citrusy white wine blends with the mild and sweet monkfish to create a perfectly harmonious taste.
The right dishes can enhance how you enjoy fine wine. However, it is worth noting that fine wine tasting isn’t only about the flavours a wine encapsulates. Wine aromas are key to wine tasting, and you can take your experience to the next level by understanding how to involve smell in the tasting process.
Falling temperatures can change what we crave, and autumn is the perfect time to eat heartier meals and matching fine wines.
