6 top drops to salute September’s foodie scene

From shellfish to autumnal veggies, leafy herbs to game, it’s safe to say September is a rich tapestry of recipes…. and great excuse to plenish the wine rack.

What we like to call shoulder season standbys – versatile vino to cheer midweek suppers; vivid reds to pimp up one-pot stews, and easy session wines to straddle this transitional time of year.

After all, you need a variety of styles with contrasting taste and texture to wine and dine with…

1. M&S Muscadet 2023, Loire Valley, France, £8, Ocado

The perfect pour with a plate of half-a-dozen oysters – now there’s an ‘R’ in the month – and seafood stalls brimming with oysters, mussels and fruits of the sea. The minerality in muscadet chimes with shellfish, and this white’s tangy citrus notes with touches of green apple leaves you thirsty for more.

2. Co-op Irresistible Montpeyroux 2023, Languedoc, France, £10, Co-op, in-store

A fantastic find, the sun-kissed Languedoc is a powerhouse for deliciously priced blends, and fans of a GSM – grenache, syrah and mourvèdre – will be blown over by this big, beautiful, concentrated red with swathes of spicy morello cherry, blackberry fruit, and earthy notes on the lingering finish. Think a slow-cooked casserole with mushrooms and garlic, or plate of charcuterie.

3. Castillo de Ibiza Rosé 2024, Spain, £12, Tesco

Ready to switch out your Provençal pink for a swish Spanish rosé? We’ve fallen for this captivating label to revive holiday vibes – and it more than delivers with fragrant aromas of summer berries, fleshy stone fruit flavours of white peach and nectarine, with soft, well-balanced acidity to rival more spendy producers in quality. One for pan-fried blackened salmon, and variety of seasonal veggies like sautéed courgette.

4. Villa Maria Pin Private Bin Pinot Noir 2023, Marlborough, New Zealand, £13, Waitrose

Fresh, juicy and rhapsody of spice-edged raspberry, cherry, and cranberry fruit, with lifted aromas of cassis, cinnamon and cloves, everything glides beautifully along with savoury notes on the silky finish. An impressive all-rounder and food friendly, pair with seared tuna steaks or roast duck with roasted root veggies… and wait for the compliments to roll in.

5. Fresco di Masi Bianco Organic 2023, Verona, Italy, £14.89, All About Wine

Utterly delicious and light on its feet at 11.5% abv, this bright white (blend of local varieties) highlights organic September; alongside recipes featuring herby pappardelle pasta with broccoli, or flaky white fish such as poached halibut. Aromatic with delightful floral notes, citrus-led fruit basket with hints of pineapple and fresh finish… the second glass will dispel any back-to-work blues.

6. Morrisons The Best Block Series 001 Margaret River Shiraz 2022, Australia, £20, Morrisons

If you’re heading to the meat counter at this giant supermarket chain, don’t let its new Block Series range of limited-edition, premium wines pass you by. Think roast beef with sweet, earthy flavours of swede, and this rich, smooth shiraz impresses with its forest floor of ripe, black fruits, framed by soft spice, hints of cloves, twist of black pepper and velvety tannins. One to share with a wine enthusiast or gourmet.