Summer,
summer, summer – HOT!!
Soon the only way to make it
through the heat of the day will be the thought of that glass of something
ice-cold and refreshing at the end of it.
Here is a quick round-up of some
fabulous, wallet-friendly whites and pinks which I think you should ALWAYS keep
in your fridge.
Now all I need to know is where I should put the food? Prices
for the following are either from the farm or most good retailers.
Stellenbosch Hills Chenin Blanc 2012 R30
Tasted this
at the Biltong of the Year winner’s lunch and thought at the time that it was
an incredible bargain and I must drink more. My husband does some work for the
cellars and if they want to re-introduce the dop system and pay him with this
delicious mouthful of apricots and grapefruits, then that’s fine by me.
Zonnebloem Blanc de Blanc 2012 R32
I tasted
these wines for Platter this year and am becoming more and more impressed with
this young, mostly-female team of winemakers. Still think the labels are
horrible but that just means I must get the mouthful of tinned grapefruit and
citrus (mostly Chenin with 20% Sauvignon) into my glass as quickly as possible.
Oh alright – if you think I should…..
Bon Courage Unwooded Chardonnay 2012 R34
I’ve been
asked to name my favourite MCC of the year and have a strong suspicion it may
well be a Bon Courage wine but that doesn’t mean we should neglect the
excellence and good value of their still wines as well. This is a great price
for a tangy, lemony, tasty wine – great with all kinds of food.
Kleine Zalze Chenin Blanc 2012 R37
Is there
ever a year that Kleine Zalze don’t make the best-value Chenin Blanc in the
country?? Nope – don’t think so, and here is the latest release just to prove
the point. Totally over-delivering in terms of fruit, fresh acidity, mouthfeel
and length and a totally delicious wine overall.
Alexanderfontein Sauvignon Blanc R40
The Basson
family have lots of interests in Darling including providing much of the milk
that ends up on our breakfast cereals. Well that’s fine by me – start the day
with their milk and finish it with a bottle of this crisp, lively, limey, fresh
wine – a sundowner smasher.
Doolhof Shiraz Rosé 2011 R41
Had this at
a launch the other day for their top range and was very struck by how delicious
this wine was and what good value as well. Summer and pink wine is a tried and tested combo and when you taste this crisp, green-tinged mouthful of red berries and
cherries, you’ll certainly understand why.
Goats do Roam Rosé 2012 R42
I tasted
this range for Platter as well this year and even in the depths of winter, this
wine was able to make me think of summer days. Strawberries and herbs with
low-ish alcohol and plenty of concentrated fruit, this is one of the best
partners for a summer salad around.