The Best Autumn Wines Under £20
The Best Autumn Wines Under £20

The Best Autumn Wines Under £20

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When it comes to affordable wines, David Farber – co-founder with Idris Elba of wine bar Porte Noire – has his ear to the ground. Here’s his pick of the current crop…

Red

Asua Crianza C.V.N.E 2018, £10.99

Country: Spain

Why I Like It: This bistro Rioja is a delicious aperitif. With notes of blackberries, blackcurrants and liquorice, it’s light, bright and juicy. A stunning bottle for the price. 

Pair It With: A charcuterie board or pizza – think meat and cheese. It’s also great with a hearty stew.

Available here

Cantine Paolini Nero d’Avola 2019, £11.60

Country: Italy

Why I Like It: You can’t beat the price for this organic wine – it’s a perfect red for colder days and feels like a warm hug in a glass. It has a round finish, with a velvety, smooth texture. 

Pair It With: A Sunday roast, with all the trimmings. 

Available here

K-Or Clos Troteligotte Malbec 2019, £19.90

Country: France

Why I Like It: People believe malbec is from Argentina but it actually originated in France. This is an outstanding organic one from Cahors that’s less jammy, with some minerality, making it extremely quaffable. You’ll detect notes of plums, ripe berries, and a hint of herbs.

Pair It With: Beef bourguignon or hard cheeses. 

Available here 

Finca Bacara Time Waits For No One Stone Elephant 2020, £12.98

Country: Spain

Why I Like It: If you’re after a natural wine, this medium-bodied red from Murcia is very clean on the palate, with notes of dark fruits and spices. Medium tannins mean it’s a crowd-pleaser for autumn. 

Pair It With: Spicy paella or grilled red meats like lamb. 

Available here 

White

Chateau Derezla Dry Tokaji 2020, £13.99

Country: Hungary

Why I Like It: People mostly know the sweet tokaji from Hungary. Chateau Derezla is a well-made dry white and incredible value for money. With notes of peach, apricot and mandarin, it’s light and fruity. 

Pair It With: White meats like turkey or chicken.

Available here 

Domaine De Bila-Haut Blanc, £9.99

Country: France

Why I Like It: From the Rhone master M. Chapoutier, this is an amazing value wine from his Bila-Haut domain in the Roussillon. One of the most delicious on this list, it has a nice salinity with a citrusy, smoky profile. 

Pair It With: A cracking fish pie. 

Available here 

De Wetshof Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2021, £11.50

Country: South Africa

Why I Like It: This is a superb chablis equivalent at a fraction of the price. Ideal if you like a crisp white, it’s slightly smoky with flintstone notes. 

Pair It With: Any seafood, especially oysters or Dover sole.

Available here 

Portugal Boutique Winery Gorro Loureiro Vinho Verde 2021, £18.50

Country: Portugal

Why I Like It: This is one of the best vinho verdes on the market. With a real intensity, you’ll detect notes of orange blossom, apple compote, white flower, baked apricots. Impossible not to want more. 

Pair It With: Fish curry or spicy Thai food with shrimps.

Available here 

Sparkling

La Combe Pilate Esteban Brut Nature 2019, £19.85

Country: France

Why I Like It: Another one from M. Chapoutier. Bursting with freshness, this is a very surprising sparkling viognier. With an elegant bubble and notes of citrus and stone fruits, it’s fresh, without any aggressive acidity. 

Pair It With: This makes the perfect aperitif before delicate fish dishes. 

Available here 

Prapian Estate Prosecco Superiore Asolo £14.02

Country: Italy

Why I Like It: This is a well-made prosecco that doesn't feel overly sweet and has a long-lasting flavour. Light and refreshing, top notes include green apple and acacia. 

Pair It With: Risottos or cheese platters. It also makes a great aperitif.

Available here 

Feudi Di San Gregorio DUBL Falanghina Brut Spumante NV, £19.31

Country: Italy

Why I Like It: Dry, delicious and made using an interesting champagne method, Falanghina rivals more expensive bottles made by top Italian winemakers. With notes of apple, peach and apricot, it’s a versatile brut. 

Pair It With: Sushi, sashimi and ceviche.

Available here 

Ca’ Morlin Prosecco Rosé, £15.90

Country: Italy 

Why I Like It: If you’re partial to a rosé but don’t feel like drinking it in the colder months, this is a well-made alternative that tastes and feels very festive thanks to notes of green apple and blackberry.

Pair It With: Strawberries dipped in chocolate sauce.

Available here 

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