Summer’s in full bloom and the holidays are around the corner for most of us, which means it’s time to open up some of the best summer wines out there. Here are a few of our favourites.
Veganism is a growing trend globally … for so many excellent reasons. Restaurants, bars, food markets, even festivals, are moving more and more towards the active, plant-based lifestyle and products. Now Spier is the first winery in the world to receive Control Union Vegan Standard certification by the accredited certifying body control union. The Spier Seaward, Creative Block, 21 Gables and Frans K Smit ranges will all bear a vegan-friendly seal – from the 2019 vintage onwards for white wines and the 2018 vintage onwards for reds. Three cheers!
De Krans Free Run Chenin Blanc 2019 is the perfect wine with which to celebrate the arrival of the summer holidays. Packed with tropical fruit flavours, it’s light and lovely on its own, and pairs well with fish or chicken dishes, salads or pastas. Around R67 a bottle.
The just released Tokara Sauvignon Blanc 2019 is all heady notes of passion fruit and guava and cooler notes of lemongrass and green melon, and is the perfect Sauvignon Blanc for a hot summer’s day. Drink on its own or with grilled chicken, fish and fresh oysters. Around R90 a bottle.
The Glenelly Lady May 2013 – a blend of 85 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 per cent Cabernet Franc, and a touch of Petit Verdot and Merlot – is an intense, deeply coloured wine. All fresh blackberry, cassis, dark cherry and spicy plum notes, the wine is fresh, stylish and subtle. Buy online or at bottle stores for around R520.
The Glenelly Estate Reserve Red 2013 is the estate’s signature red blend. With long ageing potential the 2013 vintage is a blend of 47 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 23 per cent Merlot, 15 per cent Syrah, 11 per cent Cabernet Franc and 4 per cent Petit Verdot. You’ll smell the bold aromatics of blackberries, cranberry and blackcurrant, you’ll taste ripe fresh fruit and hints of spice. Around R245.
Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, toasting the new year or taking a gift to a party, chances are you’ll be shopping for a bubbly soon. And this season we’re loving, and suggesting, the Kleine Zalze Méthode Cap Classique Chardonnay Pinot Noir Vintage Brut 2013. This old-world style sparkling wine is a full-bodied Méthode Cap Classique. Drink it on its own or with food … it pairs beautifully with oysters, fresh pan-seared fish or a cheese board. Around R225 a bottle from good bottlestores.
