The holiday hit-list
We’ve got your all your wine needs covered, with a selection that’ll take you from chilled braais and camping holidays to Christmas feasts and New Year’s parties
1 THE PICNIC ROSÉ
Fairview Roaming Goat Dry Rosé Expect delicious notes of rose-water, pomegranate and strawberry. Keep a case on stand-by for outdoor sipping – it’s an excellent pairing for sushi, chicken, salads and cheeseboards. And if you’re in the Mother City, don’t miss a cheese-and-wine tasting at Fairview in Paarl. (Inside info: you’ll only find this wine at Woolies.) R79.99
2 THE DESSERT FAVOURITE
Ken Forrester Noble Late Harvest It’s made by SA’s king of Chenin, Ken Forrester, using Chenin Blanc grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea. This concentrates sugars and acids, resulting in a honey-like wine with notes of peach, apricot and cloves. Pair it with nuts and cheeses such as Brie and Gorgonzola or fruit-based desserts. The 375 ml bottle is also great for slipping into gift bags. R109.99
3 THE PARTYSTARTER
Luxury Astoria Prosecco DOC Woolies wine buyer Charles Pohl says you should “expect orange and candied lime on the nose with intense fruity overtones and a velvety texture.
It’s amazing as an apéritif.” It’s also great with brunches and desserts; or make an Aperol Spritz with a 3-2-1 recipe of Prosecco, Aperol and soda water. R229.99
4 THE ONE FOR DESIGNATED DRIVERS
De-alcoholised sparkling rosé Part of the Lautus range by Reg Holder, this contains all the fruity flavour you’d expect from a pink sparkling wine.
It’s made in the same way as regular wine, but the alcohol is removed as part of a process that Reg describes as “like deconstructing the wine, then building the puzzle again”. At this price, it’s also great for your budget.
R89.99
5 THE NEW YEAR’S EVE CORKER
Woolworths Signature Cap Classique by Villiera This classic Cap Classique is one of South Africa’s finest. Great on its own, it also pairs brilliantly with buttery pastry canapés, seafood and creamy desserts. R239.99
6 THE BIG OCCASION RED
Bosman Nero d’Avola red This wine boasts earthy, savoury notes, ripe flavours, and excellent structure. Silky tannins and refined acidity make it perfect for pairing with oxtail, pork, lamb and beef roasts – i.e. Christmas lunch or dinner. R299.99
7 THE BRAAI-SIDE FAVOURITE
Fireside Red Glühwein You may not be huddled around a log fire in a snow storm, but this spiced grape liquor is your go-to for standing around a braai. Heating it will bring out the flavours of cinnamon and clove, but feel free to pour it over ice and add your favourite summer fruit. R69.99
8 THE FISHFRIENDLY WHITE
Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc A crisp cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc, this wine has all the acidity and fruitiness needed to complement fish such as smoked salmon (think gooseberry and granadilla, with Granny Smith apple for extra zing). It’s also a winner with salads, goat’s cheese and tomato-based recipes.
R139.99
9 THE AL FRESCO RED
Kaapzicht Bottelary Hills Red Blend This newcomer to Woolies’ shelves is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based Bordeaux-style blend. Aged in French oak for 18 months, it has notes of liquorice and black pepper and a palate bursting with currants and raspberries. Perfect for braais and pizza nights. R149.99
10 THE CAMPING NECESSITY
De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay Chardonnay fans love the lime and lemon notes of this cool-climate unwooded white. They also love that they can take it away on holiday thanks to the convenient packaging. The compact two-litre box is great for packing into the boot (no clinking on gravel roads!). And it’s just as easy to slide it into your fridge door to keep chilled. R219.99