Seasonal Wine Picks

September shimmers on the cusp of two seasons—when summer’s abundance still lingers in the market, yet the first golden leaves suggest autumn’s approach. For wine lovers, it’s a time to celebrate both the last al fresco evenings and the promise of richer, contemplative sips as nights grow cooler. In this week’s WINE TIMES column, I have chosen four bottles that reflect the spirit of September: refined sparkling to toast the transitions, a blushing rosé that evokes sun-drenched terraces, and a classic, oak-kissed red for autumn’s return to the table.

Ferrari Perlé 2018: The Italian Sparkle (£31.50 at VINVM)

Let us begin where all good evenings start with bubbles. Ferrari Perlé 2018 is a testament to Italy’s prowess in sparkling winemaking.  Ferrari Trento is a name that epitomizes luxury and excellence, having produced some of the world’s finest sparkling wines for over a century. Located in the scenic region of Trentino, Italy, Ferrari Trento’s wines reflect the dedication and passion of the Ferrari and Lunelli families. 

This vintage, produced solely from Chardonnay grapes, is carefully hand-picked and vinified following the rigorous Metodo Classico, the Italian answer to Champagne’s traditional method.

Perle, meaning ‘vintage’ has key ageing potential and is the icon of Ferrari Trento style, a synthesis of elegance, freshness and harmony complexity. Since 1971, the first year of production, it has confirmed, harvest after the harvest, its extraordinary success. This Blanc de Blancs has 5-6 years of lees ageing, and many years of potential ageing ahead of it.

Its balance is most appealing; the freshness of mountain acidity is counterpointed by the complexity from lees aging. The palate is focused and elegant, with a creamy mousse wrapping around notes of brioche, baked pastry, and a minerality that whispers of limestone soil.  I first tasted Perlé in the company of the Lunelli family back in September last year.

This sparkling wine is perfect for both celebration and contemplation. Serve it as an apéritif to elevate a gathering, or with a simple dish of linguine alle vongole where its saline edge will shine. For those who believe only Champagne can deliver true sparkling sophistication, Ferrari Perlé 2018 is an argument in a glass that Italy deserves a seat at the table.

Italian vintages Trentodoc sparkling wine since 1902 | Ferrari Trento

Champagne Drappier Brut Nature: Purity in a Glass (£54.95 at The Whiskey Exchange)

From the sun-dappled slopes of Italy, we cross into Champagne—where tradition and innovation walk hand in hand. Champagne Drappier Brut Nature is, as its name suggests, made without added dosage, allowing the wine’s intrinsic character to take the spotlight. 

Created by 7th generation, Michel Drappier, is 100% Pinot Noir, the grape that prevails here, representing 70% of the estate (supplemented by Pinot Meunier at 15%, Chardonnay at 9%, and old grape varieties at 6%). Michel Drappier, the current head of the house, is the driving force behind many of the innovative practices that have been introduced. His expertise in winemaking and his forward-thinking approach have helped elevate the quality and sustainability of their champagne.

It’s a truly gastronomic wine, a very pure expression of the terroir.  Finesse, freshness and ripeness are key for Brut nature.  And “the use of an absolute minimum of sulphur gives the wine the freedom to express itself totally.”  A number of the Drappier family are allergic to sulphur, therefore the majority of their wines see minimal presence.

What makes this bottle stand out, especially in September, is its clarity and nerve. The palate is bone-dry yet generous, with flavours of green apple, chalk, and a snap of ginger. The finish is long, pure, and utterly refreshing.

Pair Drappier Brut Nature with freshly shucked oysters or a plate of sashimi—the wine’s razor-sharp acidity and mineral backbone are the perfect foil for briny, delicate seafood. It is also a wonderful lesson in the beauty of less: when the fruit is pristine and the craftsmanship careful, nothing else is required.

The Drappier’s are one of the most charismatic, hospitable families I have had the pleasure to spend time with and would urge you to try out their wines

Domaine familial depuis 1808 | Champagne Drappier

Vina Pomal Rosé Rioja 2023: Spanish Sun in a Glass (Now £10.20, was £12.20 at OCADO

No September selection would be complete without a nod to the enduring pleasures of rosé. While some still see pink wine as a summer-only affair, the best examples transcend seasons—and Vina Pomal Rosé Rioja 2023 is just such a bottle. Crafted in the heart of Rioja, this rosado draws on a blend of Garnacha and Viura, bringing together the region’s warm days and cool nights in a wine that is as lively as it is elegant.

The colour is a delicate, pale salmon—evoking the last rays of summer sun. On the nose, you’re greeted with aromas of wild strawberry, white cherry, and a touch of rose petal, underscored by a subtle herbal freshness. The palate is dry and vibrant, with crisp acidity carrying flavours of raspberry, blood orange, and a hint of grapefruit zest. There’s a whisper of spice and a mineral lift on the finish, speaking to Rioja’s clay and limestone soils.

This rosé is a versatile companion at the table. Pair it with grilled prawns, a Niçoise salad, or even a late-season tomato tart. For me, it’s best enjoyed outdoors, as the sun sets, with friends gathered and laughter lingering in the air. It’s proof that rosé can be as serious or as playful as you allow—and that it deserves a place far beyond the dog days of summer.

Viña Pomal Crianza 2021: Autumn’s Embrace (£14.00 from OCADO)

As the evenings grow longer and the air turns crisp, there is comfort in returning to a generous red. Viña Pomal Crianza 2021 is a Rioja that wears its heritage with pride. Crafted predominantly from Tempranillo, and aged for at least 12 months in American oak, this Crianza is a modern take on a classic style.

The bouquet is rich and inviting ripe blackberries, damson plum, and a twist of black pepper mingle with the sweet scent of vanilla and coconut from oak aging. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, with supple tannins and a pleasing balance between fruit and spice. There’s a touch of tobacco, cocoa, and clove, all culminating in a savoury, persistent finish.

Viña Pomal Crianza 2021 is made for the autumn table—think roast lamb with rosemary, a hearty bean stew, or a platter of aged Manchego cheese. It is a wine that brings people together, its warmth a gentle counterpoint to the lengthening shadows outside.

The Art of September Selection

What unites these four wines is their sense of place and purpose. Ferrari Perlé 2018 celebrates the heights that Italian sparkling can reach; Champagne Drappier Brut Nature showcases the purity and energy of Pinot Noir without embellishment; Vina Pomal Rosé Rioja 2023 channels the lingering Spanish sun into every refreshing sip; and Viña Pomal Crianza 2021 invites us to welcome autumn with the depth and comfort of a classic Rioja red.

September is a month of transition, but also of celebration—of harvests gathered, of friends reunited, of memories made and yet to come. With bottles such as these, every table becomes an invitation to savour the season in all its moods. Raise a glass to change, to continuity, and to the enduring pleasures of good wine.

Here’s to September—and to the selections that make it splendid.