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Top 5 Wines You Must Try

  • 23 Jan, 2024

Red, white or sparkling? Dry, semi-dry or sweet? Choosing wines can be baffling at times when you have so many wines online that are available to you to choose from. If you want to shop wines online to keep a wine collection at home, host a party or just taste a few samples, here’s a list of 5 popular wines that we at The Grand Store recommend you to try:

 

1. Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is on top of our list as the world’s most sought-after wine. While its origins are in the Burgundy region of France, it is grown now in many parts of the world. Most of the Pinot Noir wines are light to medium-bodied, dry and red, but they can be made into a lovely rosé, white or sparkling wine too. Pinot noir has perhaps the deepest complex character of any grape wine. Wine connoisseurs love to keep exploring its gorgeous colour, captivating body and fresh acidity along with complex aromas and taste. It can be paired with a large variety of food. No wonder, the soft and silky Pinot Noir is the first choice of a lot of people for a romantic date.

Our picks:

Creation Pinot Noir 2021/22

De Grendel Op Die Berg Pinot Noir

 

2. Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon, originating from Bordeaux, France is a hybrid of the white Sauvignon Blanc grape and red Cabernet Franc grape and is also known as Sauvignon Rouge, Petit-Bouchet or Petit-Cabernet. Cabernet Sauvignon wines range from deep red to almost black colour, are full-bodied and have an astringent nature that helps the wine age well. Generally, it is dry, has medium to high acidity, tannins, good acidity and tastes of bell peppers, tobacco, black cherries, dark plums with hints of herbs and wood. Cabernet Sauvignon wines age very well and improve over time as they age getting more complex and elegant for 10 - 20 years and sometimes even for 50 years or more. It pairs beautifully with hearty food flavours such as steak, fillet mignon or mushroom risotto.

Our picks:

Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2017/18

 

3. Chardonnay

Chardonnay is one of the most popular white wine varieties and has also originated in Burgundy, France. Since it is relatively easier to grow, it is now found in several places globally. Depending on the ripeness of the grapes used, Chardonnay’s flavours can range from fresh citrusy or green apples to ripe peaches and pineapple. If it is oak-aged such as those made in mostly warm wine regions, Chardonnay could also develop hints of vanilla, creamy butter and coconut. If not oak-aged such as those made in mostly cool climate wine regions, it is usually lean, dry and has hints of mineral taste. Chardonnay has moderate acidity and is best paired with light, creamy, lightly spiced foods. Avoid Chardonnay with acidic foods such as tomatoes, as it could give a more sour taste to the wine.

Our picks:

Steenberg 1682 Brut Chardonnay

Siwela Brut Chardonnay 2019

 

4. Syrah/Shiraz

Syrah wine is also known as Shiraz wine. It is said to have originated from the Rhône Valley, France. It is usually a full-bodied dark-coloured wine with medium to high acidity, high tannins and a bold palate of blackberry, blueberry, plums, smoke, black pepper and earthy flavours. Syrah also has strong aromas of blackberry and oak along with slight hints of ripened fruit. As Syrah is full of bold complex flavours and has a strong aroma, it is best suited with bold, robust dishes like barbequed game meats, roast lamb, braised short ribs etc. It is preferable to serve Syrah in a Bordeaux wine glass at slightly less than room temperature and decant it before serving to experience the full range of flavours and aromas.

Our picks:

Bellingham, the Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah

Ashton Winery Shiraz 2019

 

5. Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc was originally grown somewhere in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, both located in France and it is well-known for its characteristic light body, green herbaceous flavour and lively acidity. It is usually very dry, but some winemakers give it a sweet taste by adding residual sugar. The aromas typically range from gooseberry, grass, bell peppers, asparagus, peach or passion fruit. Sometimes, Sauvignon Blanc is oak-aged to get a lusher, rounded mouthfeel and creamy texture. It is very refreshing to drink and best served chilled. Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with light and herb-seasoned dishes like garden salads, Thai cuisine, sushi, brie or camembert cheese etc.

Our picks:

Constantia Glen Sauvignon Blanc 2021/22

Bosman Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Sauvignon Blanc 2021

 

There can be some variations in all these different types of wines according to the region, climate, soil in which the grapes were grown in and also their processing techniques. Try out a few wines and see which ones you like the best. Click here to buy www.grandstore.co.za