Cold winter weather calls for scarves and mittens, a warming fire and big, bold and flavourful reds. This isn’t the time of year when our palates crave wines that are crisp and refreshing – instead we want body and soul! Here are a couple of red-hot wines that will warm you from the inside out.
Beyerskloof Traildust 2014
The name originates from a quotation made famous by the great Western writer Louis L’Amour who wrote “traildust is thicker than blood”, reflecting the close bond between those who have travelled the high and low roads together. The intense red colour of this wine already turn up the heat a notch or two. If that does not warm your soul the alcohol percentage sure will, in a really good way. This Pinotage reflects the terroir from the Stellenbosch region perfectly. It’s a food-friendly red that pairs nicely with a wide range of winter fare.
Price: R100 from the cellar door in Stellenbosch.
Snow Mountain “The Mistress” Pinot Noir
Finding a good, value-priced Pinot Noir for under R100 can be a real challenge. The 
price of this fine, well-balanced Pinot Noir from Nabygelegen in Wellington is truly heart warming. What makes it the perfect partner to snuggle up to this winter? Possibly the elegant and refined aromos of red and black fruits along with the velvety taste that lingers on you tongue until the wood on the fire turns to ash. It offers the perfect balance between power and finesse. Delicious on its own or with a hearty winter aubergine bake.
Price: R60 from Roeland Liquors in Cape Town
La Motte Straw Wine
There’s really only one good thing to be said about winter: dessert wine. Roughly twice as sweet as an average sweet red, straw is the epitome of the narrowly defined dessert wine category. This straw wine from La Motte in Franschhoek is particularly fruity, aromatic and nutty. Pair it with similarly sweet treats like chocolate almonds or cheesecake. It might also be enjoyed with other rich dishes, like duck liver pate and rich cheeses. Only only 1 800 (375ml) bottles were produced of this truly special wine.
Price: R230 online
