WITH the telltale signs of shorter days and longer, colder nights, autumn is well and truly upon us. Instead of pining for warmer climes, take advantage of all the wonderful autumnal foods that are around, rustle up some seasonal fare and pair it with one of these top tipples.

Anakena Chardonnay 2011 £7.49 down to £5.99 when you buy two or more Majestic

A classic unoaked chardonnay hailing from the Central Valley in Chile with subtle apple and pear fruity aromas. Fresh and vibrant in the mouth with tropical fruit flavours backed up by nice balancing acidity and decent length. Although the wine is relatively light bodied, there is a slight spicy and nutty character that would make this ideal served alongside a pumpkin risotto with sage or even roast pork with chestnut sauce.

Bordeaux Mauregard 2010 £5.99 M&S

Bordeaux doesn’t often do cheap and cheerful, but when it does they are certainly worth picking up. The perfect midweek wine combines warm and juicy black fruit flavours with ripe, velvety tannins. The lighter nature of this wine won’t swamp delicate game dishes such as braised pheasant, nor will be drowned out by robust vegetable dishes such as butternut squash and courgette tartlets.

Chateau Reynella Basket Pressed Shiraz 2008 £16.99 Waitrose

A classic Aussie shiraz, ripe in style and rich in texture, intensely aromatic with sweet blackcurrant jam and slightly minty aromas leaping out of the glass, which give way to full, gutsy fruity flavours, a healthy dose of ripe tannins and a satisfying finish. Shiraz is one of those wines that will cope with just about any meat dish. Pop this in a decanter for a couple of hours and rustle up spiced lamb with seasonal squash or a steak and field mushroom pie in the meantime to enjoy with it.

Madiran Plénitude 2006 £17.99 Adnams Cellar & Kitchen

Madiran is an appellation in the south west of France that is responsible for producing some of France’s most hearty reds. This particular example embraces both the traditional and the modern by using traditional and local grape varieties and vinifying them using modern methods. The result is a wine of great depth and vigour, but with lovely accessible black fruit charm. Do as the local Gascons do and drink this with cassoulet, or failing that, oxtail soup which will certainly keep the autumnal chills at bay.