Oh alright – I was trying extremely hard to resist this whole romantic, lurved-up Valentines vibe, but I’m afraid I’ve failed. So rather than be a dog in the manger and sulk gloomily on the sidelines, I intend to throw myself into it all, heart and soul. So, for all you young lovers out there – and all us old ones still creaking along on our Zimmer frames – here are my pick of plonks which’ll put you in the pink during the Season of Love and Romance.
The ‘It’s dry but you can drink it’ pinks
I’m going to choose two here – the De Krans Cabernet Sauvignon Rose and the Flat Roof Manor Pinot Rose. The first is a fabulous rich colour with absolutely delish flavours of strawbs and cherries. The second is an intriguing blend of Pinotage and Pinot Grigio and has a fresh, zesty entry and lovely low alcohol.
The ‘Fluffy bunny, squidgy sweet’ pinks
Hey, a spoonful of sugar is no bad thing when it comes to a pink wine and both the Avondale Rose and the Delheim Pinotage Rose prove that in an instant. Lipsmackingly tasty and packed with ripe, red fruit, these two wines are guaranteed to lead to delicious whispers of sweet nothings in anyone’s ear.
The ‘I’m forever blowing bubbles’ pink
This goes to the Boschendal Le Grand Pavilion Rose MCC with its delicate salmon-pink tint and it’s dry, yeasty, brioche-y, strawberry fruit. You’ll want to drink it forever – trust me. (Make sure you’ve entered our amazing Boschendal competition as well – click here)
The ‘Screw-it, screwball’ pink
De Krans make great still pinks (see above) but they are best known for their ports. They have made the first ever pink port in South Africa and it makes for an excellent aperitif served ice-cold over crushed ice with lots of seductive nibbles. It tastes like strawberry sherbet and is fab for getting you in the mood.
The ‘Mad, bad and dangerous to know’ pink
This goes to the Diemersdal Cabernet Sauvignon Rose which is 93% Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Cabernet. Well actually, it really goes to the maker, Thys Louw with his Byronic, brooding good looks. Definitely Mr February in any naked winemaker calendar I’ve ever seen!
Have fun, have romance, have chocolate, have wine – just have a lovely time whatever you do this Valentine’s weekend.