Hello Wintery-drinkers!
I am using the
starting-from-the-inside approach to keeping warm this winter. Our wonderful bloggers are churning out casseroles – full of
warm, hearty, rich and robust flavours to beat the winter chills. So here are
some ideas of wintery wines to go with them all.
Port – only for the over fifties!
There is
definitely a perception that port is an old man’s drink – if that’s the case,
then pass me the pipe and slippers, because I love it! Try some underrated
styles such as De Krans Tawny (a winner every time it enters any competition
anywhere), or Boplaas’s Chocolate Port (smooth, rich and soft – the perfect
post-supper sipper). I’m off to Calitzdorp tomorrow to enjoy the biannual Port
Festival – all information here – so follow my tweets (@cathymarston) and look
for top Port tips to come here soon.
Sherry – it’s dry and you should drink it!
Sweet
sherry is an abomination. There – that’ll put the cat amongst the pigeons. But
it’s true – all the best sherries in the world are dry, or at least have lots
of lively acidity to stop them becoming too sweet and sickly. Try Monis Dry
Fino or Mooiuitsig Pale Dry – stick it in the fridge and serve it in a big glass
– the last circle of hell is reserved for whoever thought up those ridiculous
thimbles for serving sherry in. A nutty Amontillado-style of sherry is delicious
with a warming soup and if you can persuade him to part with some, Adi
Badenhorst of Badenhorst Family Wines has a Vin Jaune (an un-fortified
sherry-type wine, aged in a solera) which is a treat and a half.
Muscadels – red or white
Jerepigo is
a South African classic – basically, this is grape juice fortified by grape
brandy– and there are so many fantastic ones to choose from. I love
Rietvallei’s nutty, rich red version and Worcester producer, Nuy, has won every
trophy going, including the Best Value/Discovery of the Show at the recent Old
Mutual awards, so is well worth further investigation.
Hope that
gives you a few ideas. It’s Father’s Day on Sunday (have you booked your lunch
yet? Check out all our specials) so feel free to try any of these lovely wines
on your Dad and see how they go down. Or, of course, you could always just go
for the simple, wonderful and obvious Groote Post Old Man’s Blend – never yet
met an old man who didn’t love it!
Happy
drinking and keep warm.
Cheers,