The colder weather is beckoning me to open some good Reds. I have five stellar reds you will want to drink this winter, and a beautiful Sauvignon Blanc for good measure.
Arendsig Pinotage A19 (2023)
‘The wine must be a true reflection of our terroir created from our own vineyards. Nurtured, produced and bottled with minimal interference.’ – Lourens van der Westhuizen
Owner and winemaker of Arendsig, Lourens van der Westhuizen, takes his philosophy of minimal interference seriously, and it shows in the incredible wines the farm is producing. Spontaneous fermentation that uses no enzymes, and maturation in neutral vessels are only some of the processes Lourens has chosen to ensure that the unique vineyard characteristics of the farm shines through.
With subtle tannins and hints of spice on the nose their Pinotage from Block A19 is the perfect wine for a lazy evening in front of a log fire. I have a feeling this wine is going to age well, that’s if the few bottles we have ‘survive’ the winter months.
Vergelegen Merlot 2018
Founded on 1 February 1700, Vergelegen (meaning “situated far away”), the farm has been making fantastic wine for centuries. The farm shelters a vast array of trees within its 60-hectare cultural heritage area. Some of these trees date back centuries. Unfortunately the farm has lost many trees to the destructive polyphagous shot hole borer beetle and strong winds – gale-force winds toppled 78 trees in April 2024 alone. To counter this destruction, and in line with its ethos of sustainability, management has committed to planting 1000 trees annually, mainly in the estate arboretum, and also in the garden and other areas where fallen trees need to be replaced. I digress…getting back to the wine. It is almost impossible to choose one single Vergelegen wine, but if you force my hand for a winter favourite, it has to be their Merlot 2018.
Think flavours of plum, dark chocolate and nutmeg notes on your nose, with a fresh fruit acidity and soft tannins. This rich red pairs perfectly with tomato based stews and soups. Doesn’t that just sound perfect for winter.
Papegaai Dry Red 2021 from A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines
AA Badenhorst Family Wines are grown, made and matured on Kalmoesfontein farm in the Swartland appellation of South Africa. What I love most about AA Badenhorst wines is that they have chosen to get back to basics, using traditional winemaking equipment and old cement kuipe.
This light and refreshing Red from A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines is perfect for those warm, sunny winter afternoons. The nose is wonderfully fragrant with notes of cranberry, raspberry, flowers, fynbos, garden herbs and white pepper. The palate is fresh while being nicely dry, making it very more-ish. I also love the fact that some of the proceeds are given to The Cape Parrot Project.
Hell Yeah Pinotage from the Blacksmith
The Blacksmith Wines, focuses on naturally handcrafted wines which honour their vineyards and surroundings, using mindful practices. They only use native yeasts for fermentation, and no acid or enzymes are added to the wines.
If you love Pinotage you are going to love Hell Yeah from The Blacksmith. It is wonderfully light – so light you can easily finish a bottle on your own – don’t say I didn’t warn you. Think flavours of Blackberry and Cherry. Serve slightly chilled. We paired it with a Blue cheese pizza – talk about a match made in heaven.
Spider pig – The Roaming Pig
In 2015 Dave Wibberley and Dave Nel set out to change the way people looked at a bottle of wine and Spider Pig Wines was the result. The premise behind their brand is that great wine should create wine lovers instead of scaring them off. They are all about engaging people and not intimidating them. Over the years the demand for their wines has increased enabling them to work with some fantastic South African winemakers who share the brand’s vision.
The Roaming Pig is a blend of 50% Piekenierskloof Grenache, 40% Swartland Syrah and 10% Stellenbosch Cinsault. I really enjoyed this blend. It’s easy to drink, but intricate enough to keep you interested. It pairs well with venison and chocolate. Imagine a hot chocolate pudding and a glass of The Roaming Pig in front of a roaring fire. You’re welcome.
Seasalter Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Wow! Wow! Wow! If you drink one Sauvignon Blanc this winter it has to be the Groote Post Seasalter. This Sauvignon Blanc has a type of minerality and salinity which I adore. It is beautifully fruity with a long lingering acidity. Notes of granadilla, yellow stone fruit, guava and fynbos on the nose hold a type of promise that Spring will come again. This is the perfect wine for a winter picnic.
Happy winter sipping!
xxx
