Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chianti and Grenache. According to Tricia Lambert, of Pitt & Co, these are among the wines worth reaching for as we move into autumn.

Not because it's suddenly cold outside, but because the season brings a subtle shift in what we feel like eating, drinking and serving when friends come over.

“I think our drinking does shift a little as we move into fall, but in Bermuda it is less about suddenly reaching for heavy, full-bodied reds and more about gradually moving towards wines with a little more character, spice and depth.

“This goes for both white and red wines. I love wines that still have enough freshness for our climate but feel slightly more substantial for the season — think Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Barbera, Chianti and elegant Rhône wines.

“For me, fall is really about wines that complement the change in food and mood without ignoring the fact that we are still enjoying warm Bermuda evenings.”

And while the rest of the world might be reaching for heavier reds, Ms Lambert says there is no need to follow suit.

“Bermuda doesn't suddenly have sweater weather in October. So, I wouldn't abandon light or medium-bodied wines just because the calendar says fall.

“I still want acidity, minerality and wines that can be served slightly chilled. The key is finding the middle ground — wines with enough body and character to feel seasonal, but enough freshness to work beautifully in our warmer temperatures.

“A lightly chilled Beaujolais, Chardonnay from Burgundy or even a medium-bodied Italian red can give you that autumn feeling without feeling too heavy.”

The weeknight bottle

For something easy to open after a long day, Ms Lambert recommends Albert Bichot “Montmains” Premier Cru Chablis 2023, particularly as Bermuda’s lobster season is under way and fresh local fish is still abundant.

“It's the kind of bottle I love having at home because it is incredibly versatile, consistent and doesn't break the bank. It has that lovely combination of freshness, citrus and minerality, but enough character to work beyond the usual summer seafood pairing.

“It's also fantastic with roast chicken, grilled fish, salads, cheeses or even a simple weeknight pasta. It also makes a great ‘open the bottle and don't overthink it’ wine — which, honestly, is sometimes exactly what we need after a long day of work.”

The dinner-party bottle

When friends are coming over, her choice is Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Riserva 2022.

“Chianti is one of those wines that makes people want to eat because of its beautiful herbaceous notes. The acidity works beautifully with food, while the fruit, spice and savoury character give it enough warmth and depth for fall.

“I'd serve it alongside roast chicken, grilled or roasted vegetables, a traditional Bermuda beef pie, pasta with a rich tomato or meat sauce, or a beautiful spread of antipasti. It's also a great choice when you don't have time to decant wine as it is ready to drink and an instant crowd pleaser.”

The special occasion bottle

For a celebration, Ms Lambert recommends Château Giscours Margaux, 3ème Cru Classé 2015.

“An exceptional, highly rated modern vintage known for its voluptuous texture and depth. A bit of a splurge and still very capable of further cellar ageing.”

Don’t put the rosé away

And if there is one wine Ms Lambert believes we should keep drinking long after summer has ended, it is rosé.

“Rosé, absolutely! I will happily defend rosé beyond the summer months. That's especially true in Bermuda, where many of us are still enjoying a glass of wine out on the boat.

“A good dry rosé is far too versatile to be given a seasonal deadline. It works beautifully with seafood, salads, grilled chicken, charcuterie and those relaxed Bermuda evenings when it's still warm enough to dine outdoors.”

She continued: “With Thanksgiving around the corner, rosé is the perfect accompaniment to turkey and all the delicious sides that it comes with.

“I'd also keep Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño and sparkling wines in the rotation. And if you haven't tried a lightly chilled Pinot Noir or Barbera, fall is a lovely time to experiment.

“I always say, don't let the calendar dictate what goes into your glass. If the wine tastes good, the food works and you're enjoying yourself, you're doing it right.”

What to drink with Bermuda food

For Ms Lambert, autumn is also an opportunity to rethink what we pour alongside some of our favourite local dishes.

“One of the wonderful things about living in Bermuda is that we can embrace autumn flavours without abandoning our island favourites. Local Bermuda lobster pairs beautifully with Chardonnay or Champagne, especially when served with fresh herbs, lemon or a delicate butter sauce. For roast chicken, pork, mushroom dishes and richer pasta, I'd reach for Chianti or Pinot Noir.”

Ms Lambert said she loves the idea of incorporating more roasted vegetables, squash, mushrooms and earthy herbs into the mix because these flavours complement wines with their savoury depth and gentle spice.

“And, of course, our local fish chowder deserves a mention. Depending on the recipe and its richness, I'd look for a fresh, structured white wine or a lively rosé to balance those wonderful spices. The same pairing also works well with lobster bisque.

“Ultimately, pairing wine with Bermuda cuisine is about celebrating what we have here while remaining curious about the wines of the world.”

And while Ms Lambert has plenty of recommendations for the season, she believes the best bottle is ultimately the one you enjoy drinking.

“The best bottle isn't necessarily the most expensive or the most highly rated. It's the one that brings the most pleasure to your glass and the people around your table.”

The autumn three

Tricia Lambert's three bottles to keep at home this season

The white — Albert Bichot “Montmains” Premier Cru Chablis 2023

Fresh, mineral and food-friendly. A versatile Chardonnay for local seafood, roast chicken and lighter weeknight dinners.

The red — Barone Ricasoli Rocca Guicciarda Chianti Classico Riserva 2022

Savoury, gently spiced and lively. Perfect for pasta, roast chicken and entertaining. Also Tricia's top recommendation for a dinner-party gift.

The wild card — Baron de Rothschild Concordia Brut Champagne

Elegant, versatile and celebratory. A bottle for intimate dinners, spontaneous gatherings or simply making an ordinary evening feel special.