Everyday White
Solms Delta Chenin Blanc 2014 R54.99
This is the new name and packaging for what was previously the Vastrap. It’s lost the name and lost the Semillon and Riesling components as well – and that’s just fine with me, cos it’s perfectly tasty and lovely on its own. Packed with soft stone fruit flavours and with a crisp, fresh acidity, this is a crowd-pleaser of note and should go well with almost any food. There are pink and red versions as well – give them a go!
Special Occasion White
Bosman Family Vineyards Adama White 2013 R110
Although it sounds like something living in the ocean, probably with sharp teeth, a Cape White blend is becoming increasingly-popular and rightly so. They’re usually based on good, old-vine Chenin – as is this – and often combine varieties such as Chardonnay and Viognier – as does this. But because Bosman has a huge range of grapes to choose from, it also includes Grenache Blanc, Pinot Gris and Semillon making for a truly individual, really tasty wine. Excellent with food, majestic on its own and always one of my favourite wines to drink and enjoy.
Everyday Red
Groote Post Old Man’s Blend Red 2014 R68
Jenn Sanasie and I recently reviewed the white version of this wine on one of our Wine Wednesday videos – check it out here – and I kicked myself at the time for not asking for a bottle of the red to try as well. No matter – they sent me one anyway and what a pleasure it is! Mainly Merlot with Cab and Shiraz, it’s a fruity, spicy, soft, juicy lekker wine just to chug down with friends.
Special Occasion Red
Uitkyk Carlonet 2011 R110
Originally this wine was a Cabernet/Cinsaut blend as were so many in the Cape (whether declared or not) but nowadays, the Cabernet is livened up with a dash of Shiraz to make for a rich and satisfying wine. It’s been in quite a lot of oak but handles it well and if you wanted to leave it in the bottle for a bit longer, you probably could. But right now, it’s packed with black fruit making for a really attractive mouthful. I’d drink it now if I were you.
Everyday Winter-warmer
De Krans Cape Ruby NV R65
I don’t mean to sound bolshy, but if you like port, don’t have huge cellaring capacity and only drink vintage stuff – you’re missing such a big trick, it’s not funny. Cape Vintage really should be left well-alone until it’s at least a decade old so until that time, drink ruby. It’s amazing value, highly-underrated and utterly, utterly delicious. Packed with red and black berries, spice and orange peel, this is a lovely way to keep warm this weekend.
Special Occasion Winter-warmer
Alexander Grappa, Bottega R395.95
If you’re going to do grappa, then do it properly – especially now that, like port, we can’t call the husk spirit which we distil in this country, grappa. Head for Italy for the proper stuff and this is about as good as you can get. Made in the Bottega family distillery in the Veneto in the north-east of Italy, Alexander Grappa is one of their flagship spirits. From the skins and stalks of Pinot Grigio and Glera grapes, it’s light, flowery and very refreshing at the end of a long meal.