Each month, we will be bringing you our top picks of seasonal ingredients, our wine recommendations and important dates for your calendar.

Sherry Week - 4th - 10th November

Mira la Mar is the premium sherry label of the co-operative Covi Jerez. Respecting the vineyards and wine growers in the Cadiz province, the winery is able to produce a wide range of Sherry styles of the highest quality. We will be celebrating Sherry Week with a Sherry a day...

Monday: Moscatel, pair with delicious mince pies (some may argue it's too early, but we disagree!)

Tuesday - Amontillado, serve with white meat and fish. Serve chilled between 12 and 14 degrees.

Wednesday - Oloroso, serve with blue and mature cheeses. Serve chilled between 12 and 14 degrees.

Thursday - Manzanilla, best when paired with olives, tapas or seafood. Serve well chilled between 6 and 8 degrees.

Friday - Pedro Ximenez, perfect when partnered with all types of desserts and blue cheese. Serve chilled between 12 and 14 degrees.

Saturday - Cream, splash generously in a proper old fashioned trifle!

Sunday - Fino, serve chilled with some olives, and enjoy with friends.

Guy Fawkes Night - 5th November

Gloves, hats and scarves are usually dug out for what is one of the most social and dramatic of autumn nights. The emphasis is on comforting and warming food with great wines to match of course. A rich, spicy Shiraz such as the ‘First Sighting’ from Strandveld Vineyards on South Africa’s windswept Cape Agulhas coast makes a great partner for grilled or barbecued meats such as sausages or burgers. On the other hand, a fruit driven, rich Chardonnay can also stand up to grilled flavours and we’re big fans of the Chono Chardonnay from Chile’s Casablanca Valley.

Apples

Apples and wine have a wonderful synergy. Afterall, one of the classic flavour profiles in white wine is green apple. This is particularly the case in cooler climate examples of varieties such as Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc and also where little or no malolactic fermentation has taken place – where the crisp malic acid is converted to softer, creamier lactic acid. However, at this time of year, with apples in season, we find ourselves returning to the comfort of an apple pie or tart. Match this with a classic sweet wine like Château Les Mingets Sauternes or a late harvest Gewurztraminer such as the ‘Vendages Tardives’ from JB Adam in Alsace.

Great British Game Week - 25th November - 1st December

Northern Rhone (i.e. Syrah based) wines are overall best matches for game birds. New World Pinot Noir can also go well with wood pigeon casserole or roast pheasant. Why not host a themed dinner? We can help you match each dish to a fantastic wine. For a great match with roasted pheasant, it would be hard to see past the acclaimed Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Noir. A wine with a deserved cult following.