While summer may not be here just yet, we all know it’s coming. Soon we’ll be battling heatwaves and it’s, therefore, a good idea to start stocking up on some summer sippers. Now most wines you drink in the summertime are likely white varietals, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a red wine or two on a hot day.
Earlier this month, Stellenbosch Hills added some new wines to its range, all perfect for hot and sunny days. Comprising a “magnificent seven”, the wines include five from the 2016 harvest and its Stellenbosch Hills Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc from the 2018 harvest.
Instead of boring you with the technical details, I decided to match each wine with a summer-inspired recipe. The perfect pairing for lazy days under the African sun!
Stellenbosch Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2018
The common theme to finding a summer sipper that can help cut the heat is acidity. Abundant acidity in wine provides a thirst-quenching quality that cleanses the palate and keeps the fruit in check. This Sauvignon Blanc has a tart acidity that makes your mouth pucker and has juicy flavours and aromas green fig, gooseberry and sweet melon.
Chunky whitefish with garlic, lemon and olive oil
A lovely and light, sustainably sourced fish dish.
Stellenbosch Hills Chenin Blanc 2018
On hot summer days, I enjoy just a touch of sweetness in my white wine. Passion and stone fruit show in this wine along with green apples and litchi with a hint of lemon zest. The subtly sweet underpinnings are built on a slightly mineral-laden body, but there is more than enough acidity to keep it bright and light in the mouth on hot days. A great match for sushi or a dish where salmon is the star.
Pan-Fried Salmon Burgers with Cabbage Slaw and Avocado Aioli
Don’t be put off by the long list of ingredients in these moist and spicy burgers by FoodandWine.com. Everything is easy to assemble and can be made ahead.
Stellenbosch Hills Bushvine Pinotage 2016
An excellent choice for barbecue get-togethers. Dark fruity flavours of ripe blackcurrant and red fruit layered with oak keep your palate fresh as you savour barbecued favourites hot off the grill. Don’t be afraid to serve this Pinotage slightly chilled.
Beer Can Wrapped Bacon and Minced Meat Burger Patties For The Braai
Bacon, burgers, cheese and beer. Maybe not the healthiest of combos, but doesn’t it sound darn good to have this monster of a meal once in a while?
Stellenbosch Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
This lush Cabernet Sauvignon features notes of blackberries, plum and blackcurrant and is the perfect choice to accompany a steak dinner alfresco.
Lamb steaks with new potatoes
Here’s a great meal for the weekend to come. With this succulent dish it will turn any night into an event.
Stellenbosch Hills Merlot 2016
Merlot is one of the most versatile and food-friendly wine styles around. The combination of balanced fruit and acidity allows for unlimited food matching opportunities. The fuller-bodied red offers flavours of ripe plums and a hint of cloves. Stellenbosch Hills winemaker James Ochse suggest you enjoy this wine with beef or lamb.
Stellenbosch Hills Shiraz 2016
This Shiraz delivers a big belt of ripe fruit with oak spice and hints of black pepper. This wine would go particularly well with game dishes and charcuterie.
Stellenbosch Hills Muscat de Hambourg 2016
If you’re in the mood for aromas of figs and raisins and a palate of gentle cherry spice with the clean refreshing power of crisp wine, chuck that fortified wine in the fridge for an hour or two. While you’re waiting for the temperature to drop, swing by the shop, head for the cheese counter and pick whatever takes your fancy.
Deep-Fried Cheesecake-Stuffed Strawberries
These deep-fried strawberry delights are everything you can hope for and more.
The seven wines are available from the cellar and at leading outlets countrywide. They retail for between R52 and R80/bottle. The cellar is located at the intersection of the R310 and Vlottenburg Road, just outside Stellenbosch.
