5 wines to sip while celebrating this festive season

It’s the festive season, which is a good reason to replace your usual table plonk with something a little bit more suited to a special occasion. We spoke to Carrie Adams, director of Norman Goodfellows, for her picks of the best reds, whites and sparkling wines to enjoy this December

1. DMZ (DeMorgenzon) Sauvignon Blanc 2015

DeMorgenzon is located above the Stellenboschkloof valley, which exposes the vines to cooler winds for slower ripening and greater concentration of flavours, which is perhaps why Carrie describes this as “a gorgeous, crisp holiday wine”. The wine has a pale, bright gold colour with green reflections, aromas of passion fuit and citrus, and a rich palate of ripe fruit flavours. Visit demorgenzon.co.za.

2. Delaire Graf Botmaskop Red Blend 2012

“I’ve sung this wine’s praises from the rooftops all year round, and now it’s been awarded five stars from the Platter’s Wine Guide. It’s a Bordeaux with a splash of shiraz – my idea of Christmas pudding heaven,” comments Carrie. The wine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, petit verdot and malbec, and is described by the winemakers as having classic aromas of dark berry fruit, spice and cassis. Visit delaire.co.za.

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3. Saxenburg Drunken Fowl Shiraz 2013

Carrie describes this as “something fun and new from a pedigreed stable”. The shiraz is the brainchild of brother and sister Vincent and Fiona Buhrer from Saxenburg Estate in Kuilsriver, and although the label and name are lighthearted, the wine is still of great quality, with hints of subtle oak and plummy flavours. Visit saxenburg.co.za.

4. Fledge & Co Hoeksteen Chenin Blanc 2014

“This white is balanced but bursting with flavour – a must-try this season,” says Carrie. “Hoeksteen” means cornerstone in Afrikaans, which is a nod to the “Steen”, the Chenin Blanc grape that’s been the main feature of South Africa’s wine industry for centuries. Fledge & Co produce only about 390 bottles per year out of Margaux Nel’s family cellars in Calitzdorp, and call this wine an “enjoyable, affable and lekker bush vine wine all rolled into one”. Visit thefledge.co.za.

5. Graham Beck Bliss Demi Sec bubbly

“Christmas holidays just wouldn’t cut the mustard without breakfasts on terraces and scrambled eggs’ best friend. Simply delicious,” says Carrie. No festive wine list is complete without a bit of bubbly, which makes this perfect for special occasions. The wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and with hints of butterscotch, honey and praline, it’s perfect for those who prefer their fizz a little sweeter. Visit grahambeckwines.com.

This article was originally published in Sunday Times Neighbourhood: Property & lifestyle guides. Visit yourneighbourhood.co.za, like YourNeighbourhoodZA on Facebook and follow YourHoodZA on Twitter.