It’s time to slow down, and swop meetings, rush hour traffic and school runs for lazy days on the beach, braais and picnics. And, I have the perfect wine for every summer occasion – but be warned it’s all about Rosé this year…well almost.
Lubanzi Wines – Rosé Bubbles
I just love Lubanzi’s story. It all started in 2014 when two exchange students set out on a week long backpacking expedition on the Wild Coast. On the second day, a wandering dog the locals called ‘Lubanzi‘ joined them on their adventure. He accompanied them for six days and 160km before disappearing on the last evening. In the spirit of this adventure, Charlie Bain and Walker Brown, moved to South Africa, and in 2016 Lubanzi Wines was born. What I love even more about Lubanzi Wines is the fact that it was founded as a social enterprise that gives 50% of its net profit to the Pebble Project, a non-profit that provides wine farm workers and their communities improved access to high quality health and education.
I’ll definitely be stocking up on Lubanzi’s fresh take on Sparkling Rosé. Made from 35 year old dry farmed Cinsault grapes that are gently pressed in whole bunches and fermented from native yeasts before being bottled with a spritz of CO2, this crisp Sparkling Rosé is perfect for a Summer brunch. Think strawberry, lemon and honeysuckle. And like all Lubanzi wines it also comes in a can making it perfect for a picnic.
De Wetshof Estate – Lilya Rosé 2024
The name De Wetshof has been synonymous with the production of fine wines in South Africa since the 1970’s. Although they are internationally known as South Africa’s Chardonnay House due to the pioneering role they played in introducing this noble Burgundian grape to South Africa, it’s their Lilya Rosé that has stolen my heart this summer. It has floral aromas, leading to freshness on the palate showing notes of red berries, stone-fruit and plums. This beautiful dry rosé is perfect for a summer braai.
Longridge Wine Estate – The Emily Cuvee Classique
Another Rosé you definitely want to be drinking this summer is The Emily from Longridge Wine Estate. As you know, I am a huge fan of Longridge. I love the fact that they have chosen not to use any herbicides, pesticides or chemical sprays in the production of their wines.
The Emily is fresh with a lovely hue, bursting with aromas of ripe guava, pineapple, kiwi, green apple and a hint of strawberry, ending with a well-balanced acidity and a lingering finish.
Strydom Family Wines – Siblings 2023
Just to mix it up a little (because you can’t just drink Rosé the whole summer long), I’ve added this beaut from Strydom Family Wines to my list. Siblings is a beautiful blend of 59% Chenin Blanc, 24% Roussanne, 17% Marsanne.
“This is only the second time we harvested grapes from these vineyards planted in 2020 and the first commercial wine released. The palate is smooth, creamy and textured with balanced acidity. The taste combination of pear, quince, yellow apples and citrus, a touch of earthiness, and salty aftertaste.” .
– Rianie Strydom, winemaker
If you love sipping a cold crisp white wine you are going to adore this blend.
Illimis Cinsault
Namibian born Lucinda Heyns worked for leading South African wineries and refined her winemaking skills with experience in South Africa, California and Italy. Only then, in 2015, did she started making wines under the Illimis label. Illimis, the Latin word for clarity, signifies Lucinda’s crystal clear winemaking philosophy. She believes wine should be a window to where its vineyard is rooted. Illimis intends to honestly harness what nature offers, and follows a minimal intervention principle as far as possible, allowing the wine to express its origin with clarity, finesse and complexity. Being a viticulturist at heart, she believes that everything starts with the vines. All her wines are made from single vineyard sites, specifically selected with the finished wine in mind. And her philosophy and commitment shows in her wines.
I especially love her Cinsault. Think, a bouquet of Turkish delight, cocoa, redcurrants, and black cherry notes. Fresh sage, thyme and pancetta on the palette, complemented by white pepper and earthy spices. Serious in its depth, yet light with a trail of fine tannins that linger on the palate. I’m thinking it will pair beautifully with the leg of lamb on your Christmas table.
Have a fantastic summer. Happy sipping!
xxx
