HomeFOODWines & spiritsSummer in the Lowveld!

Summer in the Lowveld!

The perfect time to kick back with a glass of bubbly, scrummy wine or ice-cold cocktail and watch the magnificent African sunset.

Cheers!

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 full-bodied. 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 bottle stores.

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Happy birthday!

Roodeberg celebrates its 70th anniversary. A true South African original that’s stood the test of time. It wasn’t until 2004 that it became readily available to us here at home. For many Roodeberg still conjures up fond memories of people, places and occasions. Cheers!

We’re sweet on Skyline Late Harvest

We’re fans of a semi-sweet wine… it’s best chilled, topped with soda and served with ice, it’s a classic match with rich liver pâté or parfait, and is brilliant with desserts… The just-released Skyline Late Harvest is a delicious option… Around R49,99 a bottle, and R134,99 for the convenient three-litre bag-in-a-box.

This “little darling’’ charms with notes of watermelon, papaya and strawberry

We’re having a little love affair with rosé wines at the moment, and have fallen head over heels with Gabriëlskloof’s Rosebud Rosé. This dry, light and deliciously moreish Provençal-style rosé has equal amounts of Syrah and Viognier, and is described as the “little darling” of Gabriëlskloof’s estate range. It’s lovely to drink by itself, but also pairs well with light dishes. Buy it online for around R80 a bottle. Details: www.gabrielskloof.co.za.

Summertime drinks

Zesty grapefruit with just a hint of bitterness. This summer we’re drinking the just-launched Fitch & Leeds grapefruit tonic. This coral-hued drink with a delicate fizz is perfect for those who’re avoiding alcohol… a slice of grapefruit, a sprig of thyme, loads of ice and you’ve a refreshing mocktail. For those who like a little merriment in their glass, it’s also really great with premium vodka or tequila. And it’s sensational for a crisp, refreshing G&T. Try it with Hope on Hopkins African Botanical Gin, with a few muddled berries and mint. Bliss. Lovely at lunchtime in the sun, fabulous for sundowners… it’s our new fave! Around R55 for a six-pack of cans, R50 for a four-pack of glass bottles. Details: fitchleedes.co.za.

Fitch & Leedes grapefruit tonic cocktails

Six Dogs Karoo Gin
Ingredients
• Six Dogs Karoo Gin • Fitch & Leedes grapefruit tonic
• 1 red chilli • 1 lime • Tabasco • Simple syrup (optional).
Method
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice combine: half a red chilli, juice of 1 lime, a splash of Tabasco, 1 part simple syrup and 1 part Six Dogs Karoo Gin. Shake well and pour into a glass filled with ice. Top with Fitch & Leedes grapefruit tonic and garnish with sliced red chillies.

The light side of life

Low alcohol. Low calories. Great taste. What’s not to love? This summer we’re being sensible. We’re still celebrating everything summer has to offer with lovely wines, but we’re choosing ones with lighter alcohol levels and fewer calories. Without, obviously, sacrificing quality or taste. First on our list to try is the Robertson Winery Light Cultivar Range, which is showing off great new designs, too. With just around 9% alcohol instead of the average 12 or 13%, there’s a Sauvignon Blanc 2019, a Chenin Blanc 2019, a Pinotage Rosé and a Merlot. All around R50 to R55. Details: robertsonwinery.co.za.

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