Wines for roasts

Sunday lunch, big hunk of meat, roasties, gravy and wine – does life get any better? Of course not and with the weather we’re having in Cape Town at the moment, this is all I want to eat every day of the week. If you’re like me, then here are a few ideas of what you can drink with your delicious roast dinner.

Pork – and Credo Chenin Blanc 2010  R100 from the farm
I showed this at a couple of reader events I recently hosted for Pick n Pay and everyone fell in love with its rich flavours, lively acidity and creamy, spicy finish. This is a perfect match for all sorts of pork dishes but definitely ones with an Asian edge to it would go down well. Try this sticky pork ribs and see if you agree!

Chicken – and Holden Manz Chardonnay 2012  R160 from the farm
If my husband was left to choose, we would have roast chicken every day of the week. And if I were left to pick the wine, then I would happily indulge in this wine pretty much most days as well. It has beautiful balance which I always appreciate in a chardonnay, plenty of fresh lemony fruit and a creamy finish. This classic  roast chicken would be a great partner.

Beef – and Bosman Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007  R150 from the farm
A classic Cab which has – unusually – been held back before release. Which is a great thing because it gives the wine time to settle and the rich berry, cigar box, spicy flavours to marry and meld. I drank this with a good old English Pot Roast and I can think of no higher praise than to say my husband preferred this to a 20 year old Californian wine of 15 times the price!!

Game – and Clos Malverne Spirit of Malverne 2011  R280 from the farm
This is an interesting Cape blend from Pinotage specialists, Clos Malverne. For the first time, they’ve actually got more Pinotage in it than Cabernet (50% Pinotage, 33% Cab, 17% Shiraz) and it’s a rich and meaty wine with a distinctive coffee hint. I always like to serve Pinotage with game cos I think it’s a great South African combination. Try it with slow roasted Springbok loin for a perfect match.

Lamb – and De Grendel Pinot Noir 2010  R150 from the farm
Some people prefer to go with Cabernet for lamb but I’ve always thought pinot noir is a better match. In the case of this one, it’s a certainty – the bright red fruit and hints of mushroomy-truffles really goes well with the sweet meat whilst the bright acidity helps to cut through the rich fattiness. Savour this with something slow-cooked and savoury such as simple roasted lamb.