Did you Know?
Magnums slow the ageing process as they contain twice as much wine as a 750 ml bottle to about the same amount of oxygen. So wine in a magnum lasts considerably longer than wine in a regular bottle (unless your thirst gets the better of you), making it a memorable gift.
ASTORIA PROSECCO NV, R249.95
Prosecco is a carbonated sparkling wine made from the Glera grape in the Veneto wine region in northern Italy. Its stylish elegance and lively sparkle have made it immensely popular globally and it sells more bottles than Champagne.
Tasting notes: The nose has ripe pear, apple and citrus. On the palate there is an inviting freshness and a fine, persistent mousse.
Match with: Seafood or shellfish. It will also pair elegantly with patisserie and fresh fruit such as strawberries and peaches.
KRONE BOREALIS VINTAGE CUVÉE BRUT 2014, R219.95
Twee Jonge Gezellen, a 300-year-old farm in Tulbagh, is home to Krone bottle- fermented Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wines. Only 250 magnums of the Brut and 250 of the rosé have been made exclusively for Woolworths, so make sure you nab one!
Tasting notes: Crisp and light yet complex, with citrus notes. Lovely balance with a racy finish.
Match with: Pork belly cooked on an open fire. The acidity of the bubbly cuts through the fattiness of the pork.
KRONE VINTAGE CUVÉE BRUT ROSÉ 2014, R219.95
Krone winemaker Stephan de Beer does not like MCC, he loves it, and maintains that the quality of local MCC is improving and can compete with the world’s best, including Champagne. He insists that it should not only be saved for celebrations but can be enjoyed as an after-work drink, with breakfast, at a braai, or any time really. No-one’s arguing!
Tasting notes: Look for a pale red berry colour with a fine mousse and strawberry sweetness with a light hint of herbs. You’ll love the blend of fruit and savoury flavours, acidity and soft finish.
Match with: Smoked salmon, cuts of rare beef, strawberries and cold watermelon.
MULDERBOSCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON ROSÉ 2016, R119.95
The American-owned Stellenbosch winery Mulderbosch produces a range of award- winning wines, not least of which is this beautiful rosé. In 1999 Mulderbosch was among the first wineries to harvest grapes specifically for the making of rosé, rather than making it as a by-product of red wine fermentation. It’s handled gently and made much like a white wine.
Tasting notes: Subtle layers of pink grapefruit, wild strawberry and redcurrant carry through to the stylishly elegant palate.
Match with: Winemaker Adam Mason recommends grilled monkfish skewers with roast cauliflower and hazelnut salad served with pomegranate rubies.
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK 2015, R399.95
The 14th vintage of this ever-popular red blend has taken a new direction with 100% of the fruit from the Swartland, mostly from the Boekenhoutskloof-owned farm Porseleinberg, farmed by winemaker Callie Louw. It comes from 1 675 carefully selected barrels and is made up of Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut and the customary 1% Viognier.
Tasting notes: “Raspberry, mulberry,blackberry, dark chocolate and liquorice with whiffs of cloves, nutmeg and orange rind … a lingering finish reminiscent of Swiss dark hazelnut chocolate,” says winemaker Marc Kent of Boekenhoutskloof.
Match with: Marc recommends Callie’s The Southern Smoke pulled pork cooked on a fire, with slaw on the side.
LAIBACH LADYBIRD RED ORGANIC 2013, R199.95
Laibach was the first Stellenbosch farm to receive organic certification. The 2013 is the 11th vintage of this bestselling wine, which is a blend of all five Bordeaux varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.
Tasting notes: Luscious flavours of crushed blackberries, sour cherries and wild spice. It’s smooth and medium-bodied with plummy tannins.
Match with: Winemaker François van Zyl suggests mild lamb curries, spicy seafood or chicken paella.
TRY THIS LITTLE BIG WINE
When you don’t want a whole bottle but a glass just isn’t enough, this half bottle of dry red is exactly what you need. It’s a blend of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon offering spice, dark fruit and a hint of smoky cigar box. Perfect for your next picnic or sharing with a friend for a glass each. Find out more at littlebigwines.co.za.
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