Light reds for braais and picnics
You don’t have to say goodbye to red wine when the weather warms up. It’s time to open the fruit-forward, refreshing reds you’ll want to sip all spring and summer long.
Why choose light reds?
These wines are low in tannins and alcohol and packed with cherry and berry flavours, perfect when you’re looking for an alternative to the citrus, stone fruit and tropical flavours of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Bonus: they can usually be served lightly chilled, making them just as refreshing as your favourite white.
Choose Cabernet Franc
This easy-drinking alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon has a herbaceous, fruity character that just happens to be a great match for tomato-based dishes, but we really recommend it with grilled ostrich burgers.
Try Cinsault
Look forward to flavours of mulling spices, strawberry, redcurrant and floral notes. It’s the ideal match for grilled meat, vegetable moussaka and baked Camembert.
Go for Grenache
This crowd-pleasing red, often found in Rhône-style blends, is loved for its flavours of spice, raspberries, plum, orange rind and cherries. Open a bottle with vegetable skewers cooked over the fire, or a beef potjie.
Go mad for Merlot
There’s a lot to love about its cherry and chocolate flavours. Soft and fruity Merlots are a great match for grilled chicken. And don’t resist pouring a glass with your favourite pizza.
Sip on Sangiovese
Sangiovese is the most widely planted grape in Italy, but in SA only 69 hectares of vineyards are planted with Sangiovese vines. Choose a fruit-forward Sangiovese and you’ll taste plums and cherries in your glass, great with braaied steak or a charcuterie platter.
Pour Pinot Noir
What’s not to love about its cherry, raspberry and strawberry character? Enjoy it with braaied tuna or salmon, mushroom skewers, salads starring figs and cherries, as well as cheeses such as Brie and Camembert. It’s also a winner with mushroom-based risotto and pasta recipes.