Caro’s gorgeous food suggestions yesterday have inspired me to think about what we should be drinking as we watch the World Cup this year. Obviously high on the list is beer, but for those of us who like a glass of vino with our Ronaldo, here are my top ten. All wines available from Makro and all prices correct as of 4th June 2010.
Nederburg Limited Release Twenty 10 Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (R44.95) and Nederburg Limited Release Twenty 10 Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (R59.95)
These are the official wines for the World Cup and the only ones allowed to carry the Fifa World Cup logo. Well-made as all Razvan Macici’s wines are, the Sauvignon is full of gooseberry fruit with a lipsmacking finish and the Cabernet is full of classic flavours – blackcurrants, tobacco and vanilla.
The Winery of Good Hope ‘The Beautiful Game’ Chenin Blanc 2009 (R49.95) and The Winery of Good Hope ‘The Beautiful Game’ Shiraz 2008 (R79.95)
And then you’ve got these – the unofficial wines! Co-owner, Heather Whitman tells me that no-one had registered the phrase ‘The Beautiful Game’ anywhere so these marketing-savvy folk grabbed it and now their bottles cheekily sport the name along with SA flag capsules! Good wines too – WGH always make amazing Chenins, packed with appley fruit and the Shiraz is also a fruit-filled winner.
Two Oceans Pinot Grigio 2009 R28.45
‘Where Two Oceans meet….’ Well, it’s one of the features of South Africa isn’t it? And even if some of their adverts have been a bit dubious, this is still a great bottle of wine. Pinot Grigio is an Italian grape variety so for all those supporters of Cannavaro and his boys, this light and fruity wine is for you.
L’Ormarins Protea Sauvignon Blanc 2009 R39.95
Celebrating SA’s national flower and not the cricket team (which didn’t exactly set a great example for Bafana in the recent 20-20 World Cup), this is the entry-level wine for the Rupert range of Sauvignons. Packed with tropical fruit with a tangy finish.
Ken Forrester Petit Pinotage 2009 R33.95
Had to put our national grape in didn’t we? This is such a good example at such a good price – a real crowd-pleaser of a wine with bright, juicy black fruit with hints of leather and spice. And if the weather is warm enough, you can enjoy it chilled too.
J.C.le Roux Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc NV R41.95
I know that there are several people out there who think that Bafana aren’t even going to score a goal, let alone progress to the next round – BUT YOU NEVER KNOW!!! We have to live in hope so with that in mind, I think you should lay in some stocks of this wine to celebrate – fresh, clean, green fruit with frothy bubbles. Fingers crossed…
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel MCC 2008 R69.95
And just in case miracles occur and Bafana actually win the World Cup, then this is what you should be cracking open – the first traditional champagne method bubbly in South Africa. Constantly winning awards at home and abroad, this really is the MCC of Champions. Keeping my toes crossed as well…
Tassenberg Dry Red NV R99.95 for a five litre box
But if all our hopes are dashed and the team goes out in the first round, what better wine to drown our sorrows with than 5 litres of this South African legend? Cheerful blend of Cabernet and Cinsaut with a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down and a dry-your-tears finish. Oh well, there’s always next time!!
What will you be drinking as you watch the matches? Tell us your ideas below.