With Winter knocking on our doors be sure to keep your wine collection fully stocked, especially for those cold nights when a robust red or even a white wine is guaranteed to keep the cold at bay. Here are our top 5 wines to try this Winter:

The Middelvlei Free-Run Pinotage, a wine with complex flavours of raspberries, mulberries and elegant oak spices. The gentle tannins are perfectly balanced by the fruit weight with creamy vanilla flavours that linger on the palate. When it comes to a food pairing look no further than enjoying the Free-Run Pinotage with a classic South African braai, everything from braai chops, boerewors and chicken kebabs.

The Free-Run Pinotage 2018 is available directly from the Tasting Room at R150 per bottle, as well as select outlets nationwide.

Glen Carlou’s Blanc de Blancs Brut 2018, rain or shine, these bubbles are perfect throughout the year. This Brut Nature style reveals distinct white peach, cinnamon spice and subtle jasmine florals aromas. These carry through to textured brioche aromas and nuances of lemon and lime, as well as a mineral green apple crispness, which become evident in the glass. The exceptionally fine mousse supports the sparkle and finesse of this gem, perfect for immediate enjoyment.

Available online via the wine shop or directly from the Tasting Room at R320 per bottle.

Kruger Family Reserve Shiraz 2017 best described as being a dark plum colour with aromas of liquorice and hints of white pepper on the nose. On the palate the wine is fruity with firm tannins, which add body to the end result. Enjoy on its own or served with grilled and braaied meats. Also, the perfect food wine to enjoy with a succulent roast leg of lamb.

Available online at R250 per bottle. (They currently have a special running so head over there and get great deals)

Van Loveren’s Retief Reserve Cape Blend 2016, showing gentle aromas of red berry fruit. On the palate, there are dried fig and vanilla flavours on a bed of soft tannins, juicy plum and blackberry fruit and a silky, dark-chocolate finish. This is an elegant wine perfect enjoyed on its own in front of the fireplace during the colder months or as a food partner, served with a winter casserole or succulent rib-eye steak.

It is available from most specialist wine stores nationwide as well as Checkers and Ultra Liquors, and retails for between R115 and R120 per bottle.

 

Quoin Rock Red Blend 2016, A wine with complex layers of dark fruit, vanilla oak, cacao and a hint of pencil shavings typical of Cab variety. A big, structured yet velvety and elegant pallet that lingers on and on. A beautiful expression of new world upfront fruit and old-world elegance. Pairs with most red meat dishes and rich cheeses perfectly.

It’s available online for R700 a bottle

Spoil yourself with something nice this winter now! Enjoy. Stay warm and safe.

*Images supplied by the PR for the wine estates*