Warm up, get cosy, and slow cook. Here are some standout red wines to try this June, paired with delicious recipes from our magazine.
Tokara Shiraz 2017, R120
Hailing from Stellenbosch farm, TOKARA this shiraz is meticulously crafted, and lends itself to pleasurable, easy-drinking. Violets and black olives join red fruit aromatics on the nose. The mouthfeel is soft and juicy, but with that characteristic shiraz spice drawing it in a plummy finish.
Pair with: Pork roast with cranberry caramelised green apples and sage.
WIN a winter’s ransom from Tokara
One lucky reader will win a three-pack of acclaimed red wines from this Stellenbosch estate. Look forward to uncorking these beauties:
1 x Tokara Shiraz 2017, R120
1 x Tokara Director’s Reserve Red 2015, R400
1 x Tokara Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, R320
This prize is valued at R840!
To enter, simply complete the entry form below. Terms and conditions apply. Competition ends 30 June 2019.
Saurwein Om Pinot Noir 2018, R405
What a beauty, inside and out. Winemaker Jessica Saurwein sources her grapes from the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. On the name and label design, Jessica shares that the word ‘OM’ symbolises the concept of universal creation and that the word is also synonymous with peace. “In 2018 I had a 3-month-old baby during harvest. Motherhood has taught me to surrender and to make peace with everything that goes with it. I have loved the lesson of this new role in addition to my winemaking path, and I see many similarities between the roles.” Red fruits like red currant, cranberry and cherry unfurl, perfumed with rosewater and subtle spice leading to a core of pure, luminous red fruit, and fine, chalky tannins.
Pair with: Baby aubergines, roasted tomato and avocado salad with hummus dressing.
Glenelly Estate Reserve Red 2013, R245
A well-priced spoil. The 2013 vintage of this Stellenbosch estate’s signature red blend is the first to have a component of cabernet franc (the blend is led by cabernet sauvignon with merlot, syrah and petit verdot). Beautifully expressive, aromas of red and black fruits, dark flowers and cedar unspools from the glass. The chewy, unctuous palate is rich but balanced and refreshing with good acidity and a lingering finish. Pure class.
Pair with: Beef ragu with pasta and gremolata.
Cavalli Colt 2016, R150
Keep your eye on Cavalli; it’s only been open to the public for five years and this equestrian and lifestyle estate is proving it has plenty of horsepower in the winemaking department, too. The Cavalli Colt 2016 is a cabernet sauvignon – winemaker Craig Barnard is said to be focusing exclusively on cab sauv and chenin blanc. It’s a gentle rendition of the grape; purple fruits come to the fore – plum and mulberry – laced with hints of cinnamon. It’s fruit-forward, subtly oaked, and has a lovely, refreshing acidity.
Pair with: Deep-fried mac, cheese ’n bacon balls.
Elgin Ridge 282 Pinot Noir 2016, R250
Coming from a certified biodynamic and organic wine farm in Elgin, this pinot noir has an innocence and purity to it. Steely aromatics of red fruit and floral tones, round off into a crunchy raspberry and cherry filled palate.
Pair with: Seared tuna with buttered broad beans, pancetta, dill and sundried tomato tapenade.
Written by Malu Lambert, food & wine writer
