5 Summer pinks

Surprising though it may seem, pink wines continue to increase in popularity around the world. Many of these are off-dry or semi-sweet but lots of dry versions are also making their way to market here in SA. And I couldn’t be happier about that because rosé is the perfect wine with summer food – think Mediterranean herbs, fresh, crisp salads, garlic, olive oil, salty feta cheese – all of these are great matches for pinks. Here are five brand new wines, launched this year for the first time, all ready for hot summer days in the sun.

The Wolftrap Rosé 2014       R40 from most retailers

This is a new addition to one of the most solid and reliable ranges of wines around. It’s made from Rhône varieties – as per the White (well mostly!) and Red versions – and is a crowd-pleasing winner which offers a shade extra concentration and juicier red fruit than many others in this price bracket.

Spier Chardonnay-Pinot Noir 2014       R47 cellar door

Do we need ANOTHER Chardonnay-Pinot Noir, I ask myself? Yes we do, is the answer and this is the one to try. It’s a popular category right now and this is going to be a firm favourite with lovers of this classic blend. Only just-teetering into off-dry, it’s zesty and lively with lots of red berried fruit and a lip-smacking tail.

De Krans Tinta Barocca Rosé 2014       R49 cellar door

Unsurprisingly, this fresh new offering from port-specialists, De Krans, is made from a port variety and it’s well-suited to this style of wine. Lashings of fruit, a really pretty pink colour, some sherbet and a hint of herbs, this is a great all-day drinking wine.

Roodeberg Rosé 2014       R55 from most retailers

Roodeberg Red has a long and honourable history in SA and, having flirted with the idea of adding a white, it’s been decided that a pink will be the best partner instead. This is a fruity, soft and easy-drinking little number. Off-dry but with nice acidity, it will be a good partner for anything involving chilli or a hint of spice.

Grande Provence Rosé 2014        R85 cellar door

Inspired by the rosés from Provence, France, but made from Bordeaux varieties, this is an elegant addition to the pink market in SA. It’s crisp, fresh and dry but has a lovely burst of red berries and cherries and lively acidity which cries out for some toasted goats’ cheese or even a salty oyster.