Most of us started drinking sweet wines using the approach of the
“the sweeter the better”. Four
Cousins, Robertson Rose, Grunberger and so forth , these are the usual for new
wine drinkers. There’s nothing wrong with these wines however if you are
wishing to cross over or explore your wine palate then you definitely must move away from the strictly sweet wine phase.
That we live in a country
that is a major contender in the production of the world’s finest wine, it
would be such a waste to not explore the diverse wines the garden route has to
offer.
Here are some of the wines
that I recommend to those that want to discover their palate, bearing in mind
that palates are different and so there isn’t one type that will be loved by
all.
Red
varietals.
Most reds have
flavours based on the these undertones ; tobacco, berries and cherries.
Merlot: Spier Signature 2013 Merlot is a winner
both in flavour and price. At R54,this wine is great for drinking on its own or for pairing with food. Merlots are very
gently on the palate and seeing that winter I just around the corner, this is
perfect to unwind after work or to enjoy with your dinnerl.
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot: Rupert and Rothschild Classique
2012. Blended with Merlot, this one is a
little more exciting and luxurious in flavour with “fresh raspberry aromas,
plum blossom and ripe fig nuances”. At
R130 a bottle, it’s still very accessible in comparison to other blends from
this vineyard. I love to enjoy this with chocolate as part of me time …those
days are on pause for now thanks to a little somebody inside me.
Blush
/Rose
These are typically lower in alcohol, range in colour from light
red to sexy salmon which I associate with
lazy summer days. Taste wise, they are known to be crispy and slightly
sweeter.
Rose: Merlot,
Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage. Boschendal’s
The Rose Garden “A vivid flourish of raspberry, cranberry and red cherry aromas
with discreet roast nuts on the nose. Greatly priced at R50 a bottle.
Blush (Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay): Pierre Jourdan
Tranquille. From a reputable estate, this blush is low in alcohol, dry and crispy. At
R44 a bottle its simply well priced quality. I have yet to meet anyone who
doesn’t appreciate this blush. The
colour suggest summer time but I used to
enjoy this throughout the year especially when entertaining (lower alcohol
volume means you stay “together” for a lot longer).
White Varietals
White
wines are characterised with; spice, citrus fruits, apples, honey and pears
Chardonnay: Fat Bastard. “A rich, golden yellow colour with complex
aromas of vanilla and honeysuckle layered with subtle nuances of oak. On the
palate, this wine has a full body with an eruption of tropical fruit flavours
that develop into a long, toasty finish”.
This is definitely one of my favourites throughout all seasons! The name is very cheeky and it’s so fitting, this chardonnay is bursting
with flavour. I love its subtle woodiness!
This one is another great quality wine at a great price for R70.
Savignon Blanc: Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc 2014. One of the most popular types, Sauvignon Blanc is characterised by these
flavours; lime, green apple, passion
fruit and white peach. I was with a friend over the weekend that is also new to
drinking wine, she very much preferred this over the Chardonnay. This vineyard also produces my favourite
Chardonnay. At R120 a bottle, it’s very friendly compared to other varieties
produced by this estate.
*all wines available at Tops or Pick n Pay or http://www.carolineswine.com/. Quoted sentences sourced from www.bestvaluewineguide.com.
Cheers!
by MamaKaSkhafthin AKA Sandy AKA Masendana
