As the seasons change from Winter to Spring, it’s a bit of a mixed bag out there. One minute the sun’s shining, the next there’s a sandstorm. So to be safe, we’ve covered you with a selection of deep and dark reds to accompany your slow-roasts and gamey dishes, and lighter reds for the day-drinking salad and charcuterie eaters.
Allee Bleue L’Amour Toujours 2013
This bottle is covered in shiny awards and accolades, and it’s easy to see why – it’s smooth and moreish and an absolute delight. A blend of Cab Franc (40%), Cab Sauv (35%), Merlot (20%) and Petit Verdot (5%), this is Allee Bleue’s flagship red wine which combines fynbos and cigar box with fruity blackberry. After that rich, dark berry depth, It has a surprisingly light, long finish, so you’ll find that one glass is just not enough! Pair with classic winter comfort food, such as a beautifully rich duck confit or slow-cooked beef short ribs. Cellar door price is R200
Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Cinsault 2016
Cinsault seems to be steadily growing in popularity, and this entry from Kleine Zalze shows why – it’s light enough for easy drinking but with a fantastic depth of flavour. The relatively dry growing season meant that the grapes, which were harvested from old dry grown vineyards in the Paardeberg and Darling regions, produced concentrated flavours. The wine, which wasn’t matured in oak, fermented for 8 days. On the nose you’ll find violets and dry lavender, and on the palate, layers of red berry fruit and supple tannins. Enjoy slightly chilled with charcuterie over a lazy lunch or sundowner session. Cellar door price is R67.
Plaisir de Merle Merlot 2015
Plaisir de Merle is between Franschhoek and Paarl, with vines covering a variety of different soils, slopes and elevations – the grapes for this wine were picked from two vineyards on the South Eastern slopes of the Simonsberg . Bright red with fragrant red berries and floral notes on the nose, this wine will go very well with lightly spiced meat dishes, as well as stews and venison. You’ll taste juicy cherries, a touch of cloves and mocha, with sweet tannins, and a soft, velvety finish rounding off this well-structured wine. Cellar door price is R190.
Haute Cabrière Pinot Noir 2014
Hailing from Franschhoek, this 100% Pinot Noir from Cellarmaster Takuan von Arnim. Best served slightly chilled at 16°C, and perfect for quaffing during the day, this elegant wine showcases forest floor and fine red berry. The nose has hints of truffle, which you’ll find again on the palate, together with tobacco, cedar and spice notes. Pair with venison, seared tuna, and rare beef, or even summer fruits such as strawberries and watermelon. Cellar door price is R190.
Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Shiraz 2015
This is a big, bold, juicy Stellenbosch wine with a great density of flavour, showcasing initial aromas of black berries followed by spice. The refined tannin profile backs it up, so it’s got great ageing potential. This is the kind of wine you’d want to drink in front of a roaring log fire, preferably with a delicious gamey meal on the table, or a well-aged rib-eye steak. Cellar door price is R128.
