Bid farewell to the cold of Winter and welcome the warmth of Summer’s golden rays with a chilled glass of these perfect and affordable Summer Wines. Be the envy of friends this Summer when offering them simply the best the wine-lands has to offer.

De Krans Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2018: This unwooded Chardonnay has lovely notes of citrus and butterscotch on the nose and boasts, with full mouth flavours of lime, grapefruit and a creamy butterscotch on the palate. The wine also has a refreshing acidity, which is well balanced with the fruit flavours. At R73 per bottle, the De Krans Wild Ferment Chardonnay is the ideal everyday white with the creamy and fruity character allowing for a smooth transition between spring and summer. This wine is ideally paired with most pastas and pizza’s, with firm fleshed fish such as tuna and yellowtail, or a Sunday Braai Chicken.

Elgin Ridge 282 Sauvignon Blanc 2016: This Summer sensation has an exquisite pale yellow-green colour with aromas of ripe pineapple, sweet pear and blackcurrant. The flavours on the palate hold the promise of candied citrus, pear, sweet melon and lime undertones, resulting in a rich and textured finish with beautifully integrated acidity. The perfect Summer tipple which can be enjoyed, chilled, on its own, or paired with a seasonal salad, seafood or poultry dishes. Available directly from the Tasting Room at R120 per bottle and select specialist wine stores.

Jean Roi Cap Provincial Rosé 2017: This wine possesses instant appeal with its pale copper pink blush colour which filters through to alluring aromas of peach blossom and honeydew melon. It perfectly fits the description of ‘Summer in a glass’. A fusion of fresh fruit flavours of melon, peach and nectarine makes its presence felt on the palate. The refreshing acidity perfectly balances out the fruit flavours, which adds an unexpected yet welcoming lemon zest twist to the mouthfeel. The Jean Roi Cap Provincial Rosé 2016 is perfect on its own but also partners beautifully with a delicious Summer nectarine Caprese salad; grilled prawns and crayfish; or seared duck breast served with a raspberry jus.

De Krans’ A Twist of Fate: A lighter styled Portuguese blend perfect for ‘Braai Day’. This wine boasts a beautiful cherry colour with red berry flavours and a spicy character. On the nose, the wine has a lovely earthiness and leather character with the12 months in oak elegantly translates into subtle oak and smooth tannins. This is the perfect summer wine for red wine drinkers and should be served chilled. This easy drinking wine is quite versatile and is the perfect accompaniment with meaty dishes hence the nickname, the “Braai” wine. Available from most outlets nationwide at R92 per bottle.

Terra del Capo Sangiovese 2016:  from Anthonij Rupert Wyne, this lighter red wine is perfect for all year enjoyment.The wine displays bright cherry and blueberry aromas; spicy highlights and smooth vivacious fruitiness, skillfully balanced by a gentle hint of oak. Although complex, it is very approachable and lingers on the palate culminating with a light cocoa finish. This delightful wine can be purchased at the Terra del Capo Tasting Room at R85 per bottle. The wine’s ripe cherry, supple plum and layered spicy flavours effortlessly complement traditional Italian dishes such as slow braised tomatoes, the classic Italian Lasagne, slow braised Osso Bucco or Pasta Napolitana. For lighter-meal alternatives, the Sangiovese pairs perfectly with your favourite salami, olives and pickles. Or simply enjoy on its own.

Cheers to unexpected surprises and good mistakes!

Images courtesy of On The Marque.