Sunshine in a glass

Isn’t it great to be able to say with confidence that summer has finally arrived? It seems to have been a long time coming, but now it’s here and it’s time to think of all those fresh, tropical dishes that go so well with sunshine. Such flavours can also be found in wine – here are three fabulously fruity little numbers, guaranteed to match all manner of sunshine- y food.

For many people, colombard is a dull grape, best suited to making brandy. When it’s done well, though, it’s a fruit bomb of note – as demonstrated by the Bon Courage André’s Fame Colombard 2019 (R58). It’s slightly off-dry, which makes it a great partner for Asian dishes with a touch of chilli, but well balanced with tingling acidity and an explosion of pink grapefruit, granadilla and pineapple. Perfect with a block of ice on a hot summer’s day. Long, slow ripening is the key to producing a great sauvignon blanc. This allows the flavours to mature while retaining the wine’s signature crisp acidity. Cool-climate Constantia Glen manages this to perfection with their Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (R195). The grapes are grown high on the slopes of Constantia

Nek, sheltered from the storm winds but still exposed to the cool afternoon breeze coming off False Bay, all of which combines to produce a full-flavoured sauvignon with layers of citrus fruits and tropical notes, and a lovely herbal twist at the finish.

What would summer be without bubbles? Many people think that an MCC is only good for an aperitif, but that’s not true at all. The Avondale Armilla Blanc de Blanc 2012 (R290) is a case in point. The wine has spent seven years on the lees, giving it a yeasty, savoury kick to complement the lemony notes and fresh acidity. It’s 100 % organic and made from grapes that are farmed biodynamically – better for the environment and better for you, too. It goes superbly with chicken and fish dishes, but it also makes a delicious summer sundowner on its own.