Winter Wines to Elevate the Season
While not everybody enjoys the winter season, there are a few things that make winter more memorable. Just think about early morning game drives, picturesque surroundings, or a glass of your favourite wine next to a cosy fireplace. We’ve identified some of the perfect winter wines to pair with the season.
Nero from Bosman Family Vineyards
In Wellington for eight generations, their proud heritage forms the foundation from which innovation and sustainability are a natural progression. As the Cape Winelands slowly became a hotter, drier place, the Bosmans did some investigation. Yes, they made it their mission to find a grape that would thrive in Wellington’s increasingly hot, dry climate. So, Petrus Bosman travelled to Sicily to source the very best Nero d’Avola cuttings. Only two cuttings survived the journey and these were propagated in the Bosman Nursery and planted out on their Wellington farm.
It goes without saying that when you taste Nero, you experience a bit of Sicily. And, don’t we all want to be reminded of Italy as we take a sip of our wine?
Le Riche’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
This year, Le Riche is reflecting on their Winelands journey as they celebrate the 25th vintage of their esteemed flagship Le Riche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. “Vintages like 2021 don’t come along very often and we could not have wished for a more fitting vintage to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Reserve Cabernet, a statuesque expression of the very best we can produce,” says Christo Le Riche. Now, it goes without saying that this wine is the perfect wine for winter.
If you’re looking for a proper winter wine, Le Riche’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon should be at the top of your list.
Zandvliet
Although winter might be a cold and gloomy season, it can also be romantic and cosy. With Zandvliet‘s Shiraz, you’ll definitely find romance! Since 1979, Zandvliet’s love affair with Shiraz has had people coming back for more. With its different Shiraz styles, like the Kalkveld and the iconic Small Berry Pick, followed by a bright and dry Shiraz Rosé, the choices are endless. Now, it’s culminating in a special late-bottled parcel of Fortified Shiraz or Vintage Liqueur Wine, definitely worth adding to your cart.
Muratie’s Ansela van de Caab
June has been a special month at Muratie as they celebrated when Ansela van de Caab was emancipated from slavery. This newfound freedom finally allowed her to marry Laurens Campher, evidently making her one of the first owners of Muratie. “At Muratie, our heritage is at the heart of everything we do”, says Rijk Melck, current custodian of the historic farm.
Muratie Ansela van de Caab is a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot which spent 22 months in French oak. Dark, intense and brooding, the nose promises a lot: Cedar wood, cigar box, blackcurrants and a distinctive herbaceous and spicy edge courtesy of the Cabernet Franc. Definitely a wine for this time of the year.
Nabygelegen Private Cellar
Rich in history, Nabygelegen’s original cellar building dates back to well before its inscribed 1815 gable date as it has old, open concrete fermenting tanks, stone foot presses, and underground storage tanks. The last time it was used was in 1934. Now, they form part of the barrel maturation room.
Many vintages are on display in bottle stores countrywide, but it’s the wine library that makes visiting the Nabygelegen Private Cellar a memorable experience.
These winter wines will most definitely keep you company this season. From flagship wines to those rich in history, they will undoubtedly elevate the season.
