Rhône white wine meets the first flavours of autumn
By Nolwenn Quiot-Ducarre
September marks the gentle transition between two seasons. The days are still bright and warm, while evenings become cooler and the first autumn fruits begin to appear. It is the perfect time for a cocktail that keeps the freshness of summer while embracing the flavours of the new season.
With Le Vestige d’Automne, our Esprit des Vestiges AOP Côtes du Rhône White takes centre stage in a fresh, lightly sparkling and subtly spicy cocktail. Pear, lemon and ginger complement the wine’s fruity and floral character while adding freshness and energy.
🍐 The Vestige d’Automne recipe
For 1 glass
- 10 cl Esprit des Vestiges – AOP Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2024
- 4 cl pear juice
- 4 cl Ginger Ale
- 1 cl fresh lemon juice
- 2 thin slices of fresh ginger
- 1 thin slice of pear
- Ice cubes
- A small sprig of fresh thyme
🧊 Preparation
Fill a wine glass or tumbler with ice.
Pour in the well-chilled Esprit des Vestiges, followed by the pear juice and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to preserve the wine’s freshness and aromas.
Top up with Ginger Ale and add the fresh ginger.
Finish with a slice of pear and a small sprig of thyme. Serve immediately.
🍷 Why does it work?
Esprit des Vestiges combines freshness and a beautifully textured palate with floral and southern fruit notes, including apricot and peach.
The pear naturally extends the wine’s fruity character, while lemon adds brightness. Ginger brings a subtle spicy edge that enhances the wine’s freshness, while thyme recalls the Mediterranean landscapes of the Rhône Valley.
The result is an elegant yet easy-to-make cocktail, perfect for September aperitifs, when the last summer evenings are still inviting us outside.
🫒 Our food pairing suggestion
Le Vestige d’Automne pairs beautifully with Mediterranean tapas, grilled prawns, fresh goat cheese bites or a savoury seasonal vegetable tart.
For a more adventurous pairing, try it with a lightly spiced pork Colombo. The cocktail’s fruitiness and the freshness of the Côtes du Rhône Blanc provide a refreshing contrast to the spices.
“A cocktail of transition, just like September: still fresh and bright, yet already embracing the first flavours of autumn.”
