This wine, for that dish
So much wine, so little time. Here are some standout wines to try this June, paired with delicious recipes from our magazine.
The Drift Farm ‘Moveable Feast’ 2015, R385
A blend of malbec, syrah, pinot noir, touriga nacional and tannat; this magic wine is an expression of the Drift Estate. Ripe, rich black berry fruit is laced with mountain fynbos, white pepper and just a hint of cigar box. On the palate find red fruits such as cherry, raspberries and plum layered with dark chocolate and black fruits.
Pair with: Springbok fillet under the stars
Spotlight on a winemaker father:
Meet Bruce Jack of The Drift Estate in the Overberg Highlands. He lives here with his wife Penelope and their two sons, Robert and Benjamin. PLUS stand a chance to win! Read more here.
Sutherland Reserve Chardonnay 2016, R300
If you hadn’t heard—cool climate Elgin chardonnay is where it’s at. And this bright and beautiful example from Sutherland Vineyards illustrates just why. “This is a classic Burgundian-styled wine with bright elegance wrapped in a cloak of complexity one would expect from a serious chardonnay,” says winemaker Rudi Schultz. It’s a beauty. Subtle buttered toast and orange blossom on the nose lead to a core of pure, crystalline fruit with some leesy complexity and a grapefruit-tinged finish.
Pair with: Chicken tortellini and mushroom soup
The Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Shiraz Mourvédre Viognier 2016, R139
The acronym SMV stands for blends consisting of shiraz, mourvédre and viognier. The wine opens with crushed brambleberries and notes of pepper with a subtle floral perfume from the viognier component. The palate is lean and spiced with plenty of juicy red cherries.
Pair with: Kleftiko
Waverley Hills Grenache 2017, R131
This Tulbagh winery is showcasing its pledge to farm naturally and sustainably with its new flora inspired labels. One of the first winery’s in South Africa to make a single varietal Grenache a couple of decades ago, they certainly have a handle on the varietal. You can expect a classic rendition of juicy red fruits such as cherries and strawberries, and an elegant light-bodied palate with ripe, silky tannins.
Pair with: Asparagus and Camembert quiche
Badsberg Pinotage 2016, R320
Settle by a fireplace or in your cosiest corner to enjoy this warming, robust wine. Ripe, black plums and blackberries lead to a full-bodied plummy palate with hints of vanilla and oak toast. Refreshing acidity and grippy tannins enhances this wine’s structure and style.
Pair with: Oxtail with herby polenta dumplings
Written by Malu Lambert, food and wine writer
Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine. www.imkawebb.com
