Our top 5 wines to turn up the heat this winter. Wink, wink
At times, winter can be a bleak, cold, and a lonely time of year. Not at Hello HQ. We sent our editorial team on a mission to sample the very best wines in South Africa. What they’ve discovered is that the right wine in the right setting doesn’t only establish the mood but can also turn up the heat. If you know what we mean…
This weekend’s forecast is HOT with a 100% chance of wine. So call your friend with those added benefits, put your phone on do not disturb and try one of our Top 5 Wines to set the inter mood.
1. Christoffel Hazenwinkel from Hazendal
Our top pick: The red blend for the evening and the white blend for an afternoon soiree. Both wines are very accessible and gentle on the palate but still jam-packed with flavor.
The white blend 2020 is friendly and relatable and you’ll quickly taste delicious notes of lemon, citrus pear, and guava. The red blend 2019 is smooth and seductive and lovely paired with a hearty meat dish.
2. Vanilla Chardonnay from Cape Wine Crafters
Our top pick: we absolutely love this chardonnay. It is so easy to drink and a very palatable wine for the newbies. The Vanilla Chardonnay needs to be enjoyed while socializing, and sharing in the joy and excitement of wine lovers, whoever they might be.
Situated in the Robertson Wine Valley, Cape Wine Crafters houses a wide variety of styles ranging from old-world wines to new and innovative creations such as Turkish Delight Rosé, which is also a must try.
3. Cabernet Sauvignon from Tokara
Our top pick: we love this wine because it is decadent and oh so delicious, and priced affordably at just R135 per bottle. A deeply coloured garnet wine2 with dark plum aromas and a rich mulberry flavor. This wine is complex with a spicy undertone so we recommend it for a special date night for two. Bursting with sweet berry you will fall in love with it.
4. Rhino Tears Wines
Our top pick: we cannot choose between the award-winning, full-body, dry red blend, which pairs perfectly with red meat, or the easy-drinking Sauvignon Blanc boasting tropical fruits. The red is bright with strong floral notes while the white has hints of fresh-cut grass and gooseberry, ideal for a sundowner in the bush.
Rhino Tear wines have raised just short of an incredible R3 million in donations to be used in anti-poaching efforts since its launch in 2015. The wine donates R15 for every bottle sold to aid in the ongoing war against rhino poaching with South Africa’s National Parks.
5. Velvet Red from Norah's Valley
Our top pick: this one is for all the non-alcohol drinkers. There is no alcohol in this bottle but there is still a whole lot of flavor and sass.
This 2018 Velvet Red from Norah’s Valley De-alcoholised Wines is divine and is made from the Pinotage grape in the Cape and goes beautifully with carpaccio or even something sweet.
