South Africa has a Mediterranean climate and is known for full bodied
reds and rich whites. Pinotage is a native red varietal, with very high tannins
that stand up to the heat. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are other common red
varietals grown in this region. South Africa is branching out with other grape
varieties, including Malbec, but if you're going to go off piste I'd recommend
you stick to producers you know and love.
Swartland Winery, Chenin Blanc, Western
Cape, South Africa, 13.5%
Chenin Blanc is a versatile grape which can be made in a
variety of styles. Chenin from the Loire in
France, is fresh with pear and chamomile because of the cool climate. This
South African wine is richer with baked apple, honey and dried fruit. It is
creamy on the palate and is a perfect match for turkey dinner!
Available from wine-discovery.co.uk £15.50
Mulberry Bush, Shiraz
/ Merlot, Robertson, South Africa, 14%
This is what I like to call a telly wine - soft, easy
drinking; you don't have to think too much about it, and a pretty price. This
wine celebrates the mulberry flavours typical of Shiraz and Merlot from
Robertson in South Africa. A cacophony of mulberries, plums and figs, with a
smooth finish, this wine is much softer than the mainstream tannic reds coming
out of South Africa.
Available from Laithwaites £8.99
Bain's Kloof Black Frost Reserve, Pinotage, Breedekloof, South Africa, 14.5%
Frost in the Breedekloof Valley is almost unheard of, but in
2016 the worst fronst seen in a generation descended on the vines and the whole
vintage was wiped out. A few barrels of Pinotage that had been put aside in 2013
were rediscovered. Named after the devastating black frost that struck, this
wine has seductive richness and power, bramble fruit, spice cake and toasty oak.
Enjoy with warming venison and redcurrant jelly or at your next barbecue.
Available from Laithwaites £11.99
Host Your Own Wine Club
We have been serving great wines at our pop-up wine bars and would like to get more people involved with trying the wines we recommend. Once you join HYO Wine Club we will send you a list of wines that we recommend to try each month. When you try the wines please tell us what you think on Twitter using @HYOwineclub and #HYOwineclub, or on the PrincessAndThePinot Facebook Page - we would love to chat to you about the wines you've tasted based on our recommendations. Most of the wines will be available on the high street, but some come from independent stores or winemakers. You can try the wines in the comfort of your own home at your leisure, or you can come to our pop-up wine bars to try the wines, or we can help you to Host Your Own wine club. The flights of wine served at our pop-up wine bars will feature the wines recommended for HYO Wine Club.
To find out more about our pop up wine bars please visit www.princessandthepinot.com/events
To find out more about our wine club please vsiti www.princessandthepinot.com/hyo-club