Brrrr!! You can tell it’s winter when you go into the Food24 offices and everyone is wearing a scarf!!! Me – I don’t do scarves, I just reach for a nice bottle of red wine and experience that inner glow instead. So here are my tips for the top ten reds to drink on those chilly evenings. And before you all write and complain – yes, I know there are a lot of blends, but I think they offer the best value and this is my top ten so there you go! All wines sourced from Ultra Liquors and all prices correct as at 15th April 2010.
Porcupine Ridge Syrah 2009 – R48.99
Second label of arguably the best winery in SA – Boekenhoutskloof. Lots of elegant fruit with perfume and spice.
Boland Cellar Cappupinoccinotage 2009 – R44.99
Ditch the coffee and open a bottle of this instead! Packed with coffee, toffee, hazelnut and chocolate flavours, this is a dessert in a glass.
Villiera Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – R49.99
More than just bubbly-makers, Villiera also make a good solid range of well-priced varietals as well. This one is juicy with black berries and a touch of cream.
Excelsior Merlot 2008 – R34.99
A very well-priced winter glugger! Comes from Robertson and is packed with ripe black fruit with soft, tasty fruitcake hints.
Groote Post Old Man’s Blend Red 2009 – R39.99
Longtime favourite of ours from The Nose, this is a Cabernet/Merlot blend which is warming, friendly and satisfying – what else do you need?
Overgaauw Shepherd’s Cottage Red 2007 – R40.99
Classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this is a good value range which offers juicy upfront fruit with a good backbone and length.
Landskroon Cabernet Franc/Merlot 2007 – R38.99
Slightly quirky blend with herby, licorice-y Cab Franc taking the lead. Plenty of juicy tannins here mean it’s a great wine for a winter potjie.
Glen Carlou Tortoise Hill Red 2007 – R42.99
A mad mix of grapes including some Petit Verdot and Zinfandel make for an interesting, spicy wine with lots of flavour and character.
Nederburg Baronne 2008 – R37.99
An oldie but a goodie. Still offering incredible value after all these years, this blend of Cabernet and Shiraz is soft and easy-drinking with plenty of black fruit and a juicy finish.
Ken Forrester Petit Cabernet/Merlot 2008 – R34.99
Ken also makes a great Chenin and a lovely unwooded Pinotage in this range but this one is my favourite at the moment – soft and juicy but with enough backbone to handle a lovely winter pie.
Whaddya think? Any other suggestions or omissions? Email us your winter faves.