It’s the start of the cold season, final changes in the weather and the last of the breathtakingly beautiful autumn warmth before we prepare ourselves for what Winter really has to bring. For both of us, we tend to change our choice of wines every season so as requested, we will share our Top 5 choices for this Winter.
“WILDEBERG.
A PLACE TO WHICH GOOD THINGS COME AND FROM WHICH GREAT THINGS FLOW.”
- 1. Iona Sauvignon Blanc 2022
They say that you should cook with the same wine you would drink. The other night I needed a bit of white wine for some delicious pasta dish and ended up enjoying the wine more in a glass. I had forgotten about this one in the fridge and thoroughly enjoyed drinking this wine again. Easy, fresh and smooth all around. Even though it is “winter”, it hasn’t felt much of winter in Pretoria and great Sauvignon Blanc still deserves some much needed time in the glass.
- 2. Wildeberg Wild House Pinotage
With the cooler evening temperatures as the sun sets, this Pinotage has been a welcoming partner around the bush fire. Smooth with a bright ruby colour, it’s been our favourite choice along with a good piece of rump. My palette is definitely not too established, but one thing I have enjoyed about the combination of meat and thís particular Pinotage is how much the flavour and smoothness change when combined. A glass before dinner time and a glass to enjoy in between every bite.
- 3. Villiera Tradition Brut
No need to introduce this MCC but one in our fridge for every season. It’s one of the last warm days of Winter here in the slowveld and having a glass of easy zesty bubbles will never go out of fashion. Always a party starter and pairs well with appetisers and snacks. So a must-have I reckon.
- 4. Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz
A Firm Family Favourite! If I see this wine on any menu at a restaurant, I know that quality food and wine can be expected. Such an easy drinking flavourful red wine, that can be paired for dishes prepared both inside and outside of the kitchen. Be sure to bottle up on these babies for winter time. They are now on sale through Getwine for R129 per bottle and scores a well deserved 3.9 on Vivino.
- 5. Springfield Whole Berry Cabernet Sauvignon
My husband only started drinking red wine once we met. Long story short, this was the first red wine he tasted with me, and man did we hit the nail on the head. So every year, round about this time, we stock up on this easy drinkable red wine. Yes, a Cab is known to be a bit heavier but somehow this one has always hit the spot at the right time. Like the heading, “Winter Wines” often make a bigger mark in our wine cellars than any other season of the year, because the variety of choices are so vast.
We often purchase our wines from Getwine and occasionally directly from the cellar, like Wildeberg because they are a Boutique Estate but majority of these wines you can find in and around your local area. Even down here in the Lowveld, you’ll be surprised the selection of great wines at hand. You’ve just got to know where to look…
Till next season