LOCK, STOCK AND WINE BARREL

This week, bottles of celebration wines are likely to be pulled out of the fridge, bar or cellar for Valentine’s Day or to toast a new president. And while we can count on favourites like MCC to mark any special event, why not try some other fabulous premium wines to mark the occasion?

The Beautiful Lady: (Gewurztraminer 2016)

This special wine from Nederburg’s Heritage Heroes range is a real celebration of love and life. It takes its name from a description of Ilse Graue, the wife of Johann Graue, a German immigrant who bought Nederburg in 1937. The grapes for this wine are sourced from the same Stellenbosch farm used by Gunter Brozel to produce the Gewurztraminer entry that earned him the title of Diners Club Winemaker of the Year in 1985. On the nose, The Beautiful Lady is floral and it’s a stunning aperitif, yet goes well with Indian and Thai dishes. More information at nederburg.co.za

The Jackal Dance: (sauvignon blanc 2017)

Jackal’s Dance is Neethlinghof’s fifth release in their premium Short Story Collection. Grapes for Jackal’s Dance are sourced from a certified single vineyard planted on the estate 20 years ago that contributes to the wine’s blend of minerality and tropical fruit. Jackal’s Dance has delicate aromas of green pepper, figs and gooseberries with tropical notes. More information at neethlinghof.co.za