When it comes to wine I am no connoisseur. I know too little about the multitude of factors that contribute to the perfect terroir or what exactly the whole wine making process asks of those involved, but I am excited to be learning more about wine each day. I may not be a connoisseur, but I am a wine lover. What I lack in knowledge I most definitely make up for with enthusiasm.
For me drinking wine is an experience, I might go as far as describing it as a voyage of discovery. First there is the expectation – holding the bottle in my hands wondering whether I will taste the hints of dark fruit or caramelised apple. The sound of the cork popping or the crack of the cap. Then my favourite part, next to tasting of course, the sound of the wine spilling into the glass, the first glimpse of the colour and then the swirl. I just love the first whiff of the wine. If fills me with excitement. And then of course the first sip. Have I mentioned I love wine?
I am somewhat of a seasonal wine-drinker. The winter months always have me craving deep reds and even something a little sweeter. I mean, is there anything better than sipping a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon in front of a roaring fire? I have caught myself returning to three wines this winter, so I thought why not share them with you. Here are my current favourite must-try South African wines for the winter months.
More of my favourite wines HERE.
Vergenoegd Löw Range | Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Lara
Vergenoegd and Löw estate is one of the oldest and most intact of the early wine farms of the Cape of Good Hope. The estate truly is a living and evolving national monument and part of the European Heritage Project. The estate is home to two wonderful eateries – chef Bertus Basson’s Geuwels restaurant and Clara’s barn. Head Chef Drikus Brink offers guests authentic South African food using fresh, seasonal and indigenous ingredients prepared with a creative twist and cultural influences. Signature dishes include organic maize pap chips and vintage family recipe sweets like Koesisters and Peppermint Crisp Tart.
Vergenoegd and Löw are not only dedicated to great wine and innovation, but also environmentally friendly farming practices. Their working flock of 1000 Indian Runner Ducks keep the farm pest free and form part of a natural pest control solution that is integral to the quality of their wines. Every process on the farm is designed to leave as light a footprint as possible. Their use of solar electricity and low-water drip irrigation, as well as environmentally conscious practices such as recycling and composting, has earned them their WWF Conservation Champion status and IPW biodiversity certifications.
The farm is wedged between the Stellenbosch hills and the False Bay coastline. Located on a coastal plain a mere 4 km from the Atlantic coastline, Vergenoegd Löw boasts one of the most maritime influenced terroirs in the Stellenbosch appellation. The estate is situated on one of the only limestone deposits in the viticultural area of Stellenbosch and the estate has made it there mission to harness all the unique attributes of the terroir. This unique terroir is evident in their elegant wines’ subtle hint of saltiness.
Although I am yet to drink a Vergenoegd Löw wine I didn’t enjoy, I am especially fond of their Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Lara. With tasting notes of dark fruit and blackberries with a subtle hint of fynbos, it is the perfect wine for a lazy evening in front of the fireplace.
Glen Carlou I Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc 2017
Just a few minutes drive from the town of Stellenbosch you will find the Glen Carlou Vineyards. The Restaurant@Glen Carlou is a must if you are looking for lunch with one of the most beautiful views imaginable. The restaurant serves serves good, honest South African influenced food. Chef Johan Stander uses basic French methods, but there is always a twist. Chef Stander draws inspiration for his dishes from childhood memories and countries or products he loves. The estate is also home to The Gallery that houses a collection of contemporary, pop and modern art by South African artists. Mediums are as diverse as installation, photography, contemporary embroidery and ceramics contrast with more traditional painting and sculpture.
Although Glen Carlou is synonym with Chardonnay, (and boy-oh-boy they know how to make amazing Chardonnay) it is their Natural Sweet Chenin Blanc that has captured my heart and taste buds this winter. It treats your senses to aromas and flavours of dried apricots, ripe oranges and honey. And although it is sweet it has a crisp acidity with a long lingering aftertaste. It’s just exquisite. Winemaker, Johnnie Calitz, suggests drinking it well chilled in a wide bowl white wine glass.
Bonnievale River Collection Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Anyone who knows me won’t be surprized that another Cabernet Sauvignon made it onto my winter-wine-list. The Bonnievale River Collection Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 recently won Double Platinum at the national Wine Challenge, including it under this year’s Top 100 wines. This specific vintage was also awarded Gold at the inaugural Cabernet Sauvignon Challenge. This accolade made Bonnievale Wines the only winery from the Robertson region among the Challenge’s 33 award-winners.
This limited release wine is fermented in small batches, undergoes rigorous oak regimen during fermentation and maturation and spends at least 18 months in the barrel. This easy-drinking, well-priced Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect wine for stay-at-home winter evenings.
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