WHITE OR RED?
Choosing wine to suit the season is less about the colour and more about the oaking, tannins and alcohol content. Light-to medium-bodied reds and whites that are lower in alcohol with no oaking and low tannins suit warm weather. Heavy-bodied wines are great in winter. Check the label, wines under 12.5% alcohol are light-bodied, those between 12.5% and 13.5% are medium-bodied, and wines over 13.5% are full-bodied.
AUTUMN
Aromatic whites and light-to medium-bodied reds are perfect for cooler weather and harvest fare. White wines like Viognier, Bukettraube, oaked Chardonnay and reds with soft blends like, oaked Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Grenache.
CEDERBERG BUKETTRAUBE 2016, R79.95 – is slightly sweet with crisp acidity.
Drink with: Sweet Cape curries and baked fruit.
WINTER
Turn to full-bodied wines that pair well with hearty dishes such as roasts, game and stews. For a white wine try an oaked Chardonnay or for a red try a Grenache, Malbec, Syrah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends, oaked Pinot Noir.
SPIER PRIVATE COLLECTION CHARDONNAY 2015, R119.95 – has hints of nutty oak and vanilla.
Drink with: Roast game, fish and pork.
SPRING
Lighter wines pair well with lighter dishes and the first braais of the season. Perfect for white wine blends like, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, unoaked Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer. Or try reds like, unoaked Pinot Noir, Grenache and rosé.
KEN FORRESTER GRENACHE 2014, R79.95 – is brimming with strawberries and pomegranate.
Drink with: Salad Niçoise or melanzane Parmigiana.
sUMMER
Crisp white wines are great for quenching your thirst but slightly chilled, easy-drinking reds are suitable, too. Try white wine blends, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, unoaked Chardonnay and soft red blends, unoaked Pinot Noir, rosé for a perfect flavour pairing.
HAUTE CABRIERE UNWOODED PINOT NOIR 2016, R89.95 – has ripe cherry and cranberry flavours.
Drink with: Seafood, chicken and pasta.
Discover more great bargain buys, 10 wines under R100 here.
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