Spring is right around the corner, which means it’s time to celebrate the start of a new, and for many, a favourite season.
And what better way to celebrate by popping a bottle of wine that you can enjoy outdoors, with your friends, or just simply on your own?
We asked the founder of the KwaZulu-Natal School of Wine and winemaker, Laurie Smorthwaite, to share her best three wines that are good for the upcoming season that people can search out.
“What a blessing to experience the change. When the new green buds come to life, the evenings become warmer and the smell of rain is in the air. Spring is a joyful celebration of floral perfume and clean crisp flavours” she said.
Simonsig Gewurztraminer 2017. Picture supplied
- This wine is an explosion of jasmine and aromatic spring blooms.
- It is a playful wine that brings to life rich flavours of litchi, lime, peach and rose petal. Gewurz is Turkish delight in a glass, beautifully balanced sweetness with fresh acidity.
- This is a great food wine that can handle itself with a delightful aromatic green curry, Thai fishcakes and smoked salmon.
- Retail: R100
Delaire Cab franc 2017. Picture supplied Delaire Cab franc 2017
- Cabernet Franc is on everybody’s lips and Delaire Graaf have captured this extremely fashionable grape in a dangerously easy to drink rosé, made from 100% Cabernet Franc.
- This dry, elegant rosé displays flavours of ripe strawberries, candyfloss and cream.
- The pale blush is perfect spring wine with a delicate touch and playful nature.
- Retail: R85
DeWetshof Bon Vallon Chard 2016. Picture supplied DeWetshof Bon Vallon Chard 2016
- With heavily oaked Chardonnays becoming less popular and crisp unwooded styles flooding the market.
- The Dewetshof Bon Vallon has found a beautiful middle ground. It is an unwooded Chardonnay with depth and personality.
- The Bon Vallon has a clean freshness with crisp flavours of citrus fruit leading into leesy richness of roasted nut and brioche. It is also a beautifully balanced wine.
- Retail: R130