September always arrives with a mix of contradictory feelings. We return to the routine after a well-deserved vacation where, this year, we managed to escape to Bulgaria. A fascinating trip where we enjoyed its rich winemaking tradition, unique gastronomy, and that very special blend of Mediterranean spirit and Turkish influences.
But all good things come to an end: it’s time to head back to work, you open your banking app and… oh no! The credit card is smoking.
However, the good news is that September is still summer. At Wonderful Wines, we know that facing the transition back is much lighter with a great glass of wine in hand. That’s why today we bring you a selection of wines for returning to the routine along with creative food pairings that will let you keep enjoying life without making your wallet suffer more than necessary.
The antidote to “post-vacation blues”: freshness and budget under control
Beyond the cultural contrast and the thermal shock of heading back to work, there is an indisputable truth: there is a common misconception that drinking well requires emptying your bank account. And if there’s one thing the team at Vinalium Manresa knows, it’s that the pleasure of eating and drinking well is, above all, a matter of attitude and making smart choices.
We are fortunate to be surrounded by small wineries, family projects, and passionate winemakers who craft true gems at unbelievable prices. Wines with soul, respectful of their terroir, and perfect for everyday enjoyment.
For this transition phase between holiday spots and the office rhythm, the key isn’t searching for heavy aged wines or solemn bottles for special occasions. The key is opting for versatile, fresh, and great value-for-money wines. The kind of wines capable of brightening an impromptu Tuesday night dinner, lifting your spirits after a demanding day, or turning a simple weeknight recipe into a true feast.
Three affordable wine recommendations to cheer up your September
A crisp and vibrant white: Ribera del Segura Blanco (Bodegas Alceño, DO Jumilla)
If you think DO Jumilla only produces powerful red wines, prepare yourself for a delightful surprise. Ribera del Segura Blanco, crafted by Bodegas Alceño, is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc single-varietal that brings pure freshness, tropical fruit, and vivacity to the glass. A direct and expressive wine that lifts your mood from the very first sip and keeps your budget completely safe (under 5 Euros).
The holiday memory pairing: This white wine is the ideal match for one of the most iconic salads from southern Bulgaria, where neighboring Greece’s influence is felt on every table. We are talking about a classic seasonal tomato salad with fresh basil and feta or sirene-style cheese. The crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc and its cut-grass notes cut right through the richness of the cheese while enhancing the tomato’s natural sweet sweetness.
The Mediterranean-style rosé: Synera Rosat (Vins Roqueta, DO Catalunya)
If there is one wine that embodies the spirit of our region, it is Synera Rosat. Crafted by Vins Roqueta —a historic winery closely tied to our beloved Manresa and the Bages region, yet brimming with Mediterranean soul—, this rosé is a true find. It stands out for its delicate color, aromas of fresh red fruit, and a light, smooth, and immensely enjoyable palate. A wine proving that local production and quality go hand in hand with an accessible price tag.
The comfort pairing: Its balanced acidity and fruity profile make it the perfect companion for an informal weeknight get-together. It pairs brilliantly with a homemade focaccia with sun-dried tomatoes, rosemary, and extra virgin olive oil, or a thin-crust Mediterranean pizza. The wine refreshes the palate with every bite and elevates the Mediterranean flavors of tomato and herbs without ever overwhelming the dish.
Simple, delicious, and local: the finest way to enjoy a September evening.
The smooth and food-friendly red: Petit Clot dels Oms Negre (Finca Ca N’Estella)
For those evenings when the air turns slightly cooler and you crave a red wine with a bit more body—yet effortless to drink—, Petit Clot dels Oms Negre is an absolute win. Produced by Finca Ca N’Estella (under DO Penedès), this wine blends equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The result is a young, highly expressive red brimming with notes of ripe dark fruit, hints of sweet spice, and soft tannins that render it incredibly easy to sip and savor.
The ultimate comfort pairing: This wine is tailor-made for one of the greatest pleasures of everyday gastronomy: a traditional Spanish potato and onion omelet, cooked slightly runny inside. The richness of the soft egg yolk and the sweetness of caramelized onion match the silky texture and fruitiness of the Merlot seamlessly, while Cabernet Sauvignon provides just enough character to cleanse the palate.
A quick, affordable dinner providing instant happiness to remind us that no matter how demanding the routine gets, eating and drinking well at home is always within reach.
And we couldn’t end this September survival guide without honoring an absolute classic—an unpretentious pleasure capable of transporting you straight to the seaside. If you ask our teammate Àngel, he has no doubts: there is no back-to-work blues that can’t be cured with his essential, undisputed winner.
The seaside classic: An ice-cold Vino Turbio
We are referring to an ice-cold Vino Turbio—a wine requiring zero snobbery or complex tasting protocols to deliver pure delight right away. Naturally cloudy, young, featuring a subtle spritz and lively acidity, it becomes dangerously drinkable on warm days or when paired with seaside specialties.
Àngel’s pairing: The definitive accompaniment for this wine is a plate of crispy fried squid rings (calamares a la romana) with a squeeze of fresh lemon. A time-tested tradition, just like those enjoyed for decades at the fisherman’s guild in Blanes. The wine’s acidity and delicate effervescence cut straight through the richness of the fried dish, refreshing your palate for the next bite.
A tribute to Costa Brava’s maritime heritage for under 2 euros—fun, refreshing, and proof that true joy resides in life’s simplest moments.
Tips for easy home wine pairings
We sometimes assume wine pairing is reserved for Michelin-starred dining or formal occasions. But real magic happens right in your kitchen when you open the fridge, see what’s in the vegetable drawer, and pour yourself a well-chosen glass.
To make the absolute most of your everyday wines and make September far smoother, keep these four golden rules in mind:
- Temperature is everything (especially in September): Just because a wine is red doesn’t mean it should be served warm. If late afternoons are still hot, feel free to chill Petit Clot dels Oms slightly (around 14°C / 57°F) for a brighter taste. As for whites, rosés, or Vino Turbio, keep them cool from the fridge, but avoid over-freezing so as not to mute their aromas!
- Balance fat with acidity: Rich or fried dishes—like Àngel’s crispy squid rings or a soft Spanish omelet—call for wines with crisp acidity or slight effervescence. Acidity acts like a palate cleanser, keeping every bite tasting as vibrant as the first.
- Simpler ingredients mean better results: You don’t need elaborate three-hour recipes after a day at work. Seasoned fresh tomatoes, gourmet potato chips with cockles, or herb focaccia serve as ideal partners to open a bottle effortlessly.
- Feel free to experiment: The best pairing is whatever brings you joy. If you feel like drinking a crisp white with roast chicken or a rosé with your favorite pizza, go for it! Wine is crafted to be enjoyed, not constrained by rigid rules.
Ready to welcome September glass in hand?
Vacation ending doesn’t mean ending the pleasure of good food and wine. The daily routine can be as delightful as we choose to make it—and accompanied by great everyday wines and easy pairings, September becomes much lighter (and your bank account can finally catch its breath).
Which of these four pairings will be your first September antidote? The Bulgarian-inspired twist with Sauvignon Blanc, local rosé with focaccia, runny tortilla with smooth red, or Àngel’s unbeatable choice of Vino Turbio with crispy squid?
Let us know in the comments or stop by Sant Miquel street in Manresa to discover your new essential bottles for the season.
Cheers and welcome back to the routine!
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