WINE PICKS
TEXT
WENDY WATTA
WINE NOT?
We could list all the ways in which wine, taken in moderation, is good for you, but we bet you
already have those facts. Instead, here are suggestions for some amazing red and rosé wines
which were made for sheer, easy going pleasure. Whether you’re looking to stock up on wines
for some pre-dinner sipping, hosting friends over or simply want something you can pour
yourself when decompressing with a Game of Thrones marathon,
these five should hit just the spot!
LES VIGUIERS CÔTES
DU RHÔNE ROSÉ
Le Decanter
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Côtes du Rhône is a region-wide
appellation for red, rosé and
white wines covering the length and
breadth of the Rhone Valley
in eastern France. This particular
salmon-pink rosé has bluish
hues, cherry, wild strawberry and
white fruit aromas with a slightly
peppery finish on the palate. It pairs
exceptionally well with vegetables
grilled in olive oil, veal cutlet à la
crème, tajines, fish and fresh goat
cheese.
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Viva Global
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This wine is clear, purple red and has
orange shades typical to all aged red
wines. On the nose, it initially shows
an intense blackberry and
cherry smell, which could develop
into leather, tobacco or jam after
oxygenation. On the palate it is
full bodied with extreme depth,
richness and well balanced acidity.
It is a wonderful partner for roast
meat dishes, florentine-style
steak, mature pecorino cheese and
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
DA VINCI CHIANTI
Viva Global
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This wine comes from the hilly
zones in Vinci, Cerreto Guidi and
surrounding areas of Italy. It is
clear and purple red in colour. The
dominant bouquet is of cherry
and fresh red fruits mingled with
peppery notes. On the palate, Da
Vinci Chianti is well balanced, ripe
and lively with soft and round
tannins lingering through the finish.
It is an easy-drinking wine that can
be enjoyed on its own.
WINEMASTER’S RESERVE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Nederburg
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This ruby red, full bodied varietal
is made entirely from Cabernet
Sauvignon grapes. It has aromas
of ripe berry and dark chocolate
aromas with nuances of oak in the
background, as well as firm tannins
and a lingering aftertaste. It is
an ideal partner to robust dishes
like steaks, beef stroganoff, heavy
stews, roasts and mature cheeses.
FISH HOEK PINOTAGE
The Wine Shop
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Pinotage is South Africa’s signature
grape variety making everything
from low quality table wines to rich,
concentrated wines with flavors of
black and red fruits, spice, leather
and chocolate. This variety, a
crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut,
was first bred by scientist Abraham
Perold in 1925. The name Pinotage
is therefore a portmanteau of its two
parents, as Cinsaut was then known
in South Africa as Hermitage. This
rose is full bodied with rich flavours
of plum and fruitcake. It pairs well
with dishes like spicy pepperoni
pizza or braised eggplant with garlic.
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