WELCOME the colours of autumn with some vibrant whites, roses and reds.

The native oyster season is now in full swing. To complement a plate of half-a-dozen, the citrus flavours of a white Bordeaux such as Chateau Saint-Jean-Des-Graves 2011, Bordeaux, France (£8.49, Waitrose) will tame this mighty mollusc. It’s rich and aromatic and the limey crisp acidity on the finish balances the sweet flesh of shellfish, and works beautifully with firm, white fish.

A southern, warm-climate chardonnay is fruitier than its leaner Chablis cousins, and Le Manoir Du Baron Chardonnay 2011, France (£5, Asda) is a creamy, nutty white that can be enjoyed on its own, with creamy pasta dishes or poached skate with an autumnal chanterelle mushroom ragout.

Rosy pinks such as Taste The Difference Cotes De Provence Rose 2011, France (£7.99, Sainsbury’s) pairs well with lobster bisque, bouillabaisse and battered fish. Fresh and off-dry, citrus and floral fruits dominate the nose and palate with pleasant acidity, and a hint of spice on the finish makes this TTD rose an absolute delight.

Deeper and more concentrated, the lollipop pink of Tesco Finest Navarra Garnacha Rose 2011, Spain (£6.99, Tesco) is an indication to the wine’s weight. If you’re planning a spicy Asian meal to blast away the grey skies, this zippy rose impressively treads a tightrope by combining strawberry and vanilla notes with a dry finish; a perfect accompaniment to chilli flavours.

With the surge in popularity for South American wines, it’s easy to forget that malbec originates from south west France. To go back to its roots, try matching Rigal L’Instant Truffier Malbec Red PGI Cotes Du Lot 2011, France (£8.99, Majestic) with roasts and casseroles. A silky malbec with classic black cherry, plums and violet scented fruit, smooth tannins with a hint of vanilla on the finish make it extremely moreish.

Easy-drinking Riojas such as Baron De Ley Varietales Graciano 2009, Spain (£7.99, Tesco) remind us that autumnal reds don’t have to be heavy. Elegant and aromatic with a violet nose, blackberry and raspberry flavours and notes of black cherry and vanilla, this is the perfect accompaniment to a ricotta and rocket tagliatelle.