BUDGET
PAIR WOOLWORTHS LONGMARKET MERLOT (SPIER) 2015, R49.95 with the steak with anchovy-spinach sauce and matchstick fries.
Spier cellarmaster Frans Smit is a lover of Merlot and it shows in this juicy blend of grapes from the Stellenbosch and Darling wine regions. The brightness of the expressive varietal aromas of red cherries, plums and raspberries give an extra lift to the steak, while the gentle oak maturation adds vanilla – a fine partner for the anchovy-spinach sauce. The steak dish is not overpowered by the wine’s palate and finish, which is firm and succulent.
If you like this, also try: Van Loveren Merlot 2015.
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
PAIR WOOLWORTHS SARONSBERG SGM 2014, R99.95 with the marsala mushroom steak.
Marsala, the sweet, richly flavoured Sicilian wine, ensures that the mushroom sauce is wonderfully opulent. This calls for an assertive wine with a wide range of flavours and this three-way Rhône-style blend is the perfect answer. The Shiraz offers bold dark fruit and spice, the Grenache contributes a spectrum of red berry fruit and floral notes, while a splash of Mourvèdre adds spicy savouriness and delicate smoky tones.
If you like this, also try: Fairview Shiraz 2015.
BEST TO IMPRESS
PAIR WOOLWORTHS DELAIRE GRAFF REDSTONE 2015, R129.95 with the chilli Romesco rump with onion rings.
The wine is called Redstone as the grapes come from the red, nutrient-rich tukulu and oakleaf soils of the Stellenbosch hillside. The chilli Romesco rump needs a wine with a firm texture for the meat and plush dark fruit with a spicy zing for the intrigue of the sauce, which includes chilli and garlic. And this blend of all five Bordeaux varieties is perfect. Cabernet Sauvignon adds blackcurrant and cassis; Malbec a firm, supple palate; Petit Verdot spice and perfume; Cabernet Franc more spice and a leafy note; Merlot freshness and acidity.
If you like this, also try: Spier Creative Block 5 2015.
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