As the spring season is in full swing, we have asked winemaker, Laurie Smorthwaite to share her best selection of wines that people can enjoy in the warm weather.
Lighter, fruitier, aromatic and fresher wines seem to be the one’s that people will be enjoying this season and can be paired well with the lighter dishes of the spring season too.
“Spring has sprung and the warmer days are here. Saying goodbye to the winter weather is definitely a reason to celebrate. And what better way to celebrate than to pop open the bubbly?” she said.
Here are Smorthwaite’s top five wines you can enjoy in these longer evenings and spring blossoms:
Silverthorn Genie
This spring’s MCC to highlight is the Silverthorn Genie. The Genie breaks all the rules by producing a rose sparkling wine from 100% Shiraz.
Embracing the free-willed spirit of the Genie, this delicate, fruit filled bubbly shows exotic flavours of Turkish delight, rosewater and fresh strawberries.
Serving: Smoked salmon ribbons with a watermelon and feta Spring salad.
Abingdon VC 2016
A heavenly combination of crisp citrus flavours from 35% of Chardonnay, picked early in an MCC style, with the ripe stone fruit flavours and floral tones from 65% Viognier.
Viognier can quite often lack the refreshing acidity needed in a wine, the crisp Chardonnay helps to lift the Viognier making a beautifully balanced and elegant wine, wine of Origin KZN Midlands.
Serving: prawn and mussel Asian noodles in a delicate Dashi broth.
Waterford Rose-Mary
This is the perfect lunch time wine. The red varietals used to produce the Rose-Mary are picked early and whole bunch pressed in order to preserve the elegance, delicacy and fineness of the wine. This dry Blanc de Noir shows a beautiful blush colour with subtle raspberry. This is a perfect spring time wine with a low alcohol content of around 11%.
Serving: spring pea and pecorino risotto.
De Toren Délicat
A sophisticated, gentle red perfect for balmy spring evenings. This wine is filled with fresh fruit, marsh-mellow and rose petals. The gentle tannins and delicate balance of acidity brings a fresh, youthful and light character to the wine. This is a Beaujolais-style wine with attitude and depth.
Serving: enjoy the wine slightly chilled (10-12 Degrees Celsius), perfect as an appertif or with Spanish tapas.
Constantia Uitsig Muscat d'Alexandrie
Orange blossoms come alive in the glass together with ripe peaches. This wine is the perfect ending to any spring time meat. Commonly known as Hanepoot, the vines from which this limited release dessert wine is made are considered the oldest in the Constantia Valley.
Serving: rosè and vanilla poached pears.