Cellaring for the Season: Essential South African Wines for

Discover the bottles every connoisseur should have on hand this season.

Change of season calls for a refreshed wine rotation; bold, complex, and impeccably
South African. In the world of fine living, few pleasures compare to uncorking a wine
that was chosen not by chance, but with intention, and from arguably one of the
world’s most dynamic wine producers.
We’ve curated a succinct list of premium South African wines that offer exceptional
quality, aging potential, and seasonal depth. Sip slowly. Savor deeply…

Vergenoegd Löw, a historic estate with over 300 years of viticultural legacy, has been
elegantly reawakened, blending sustainable philosophy with precision winemaking.
Every vine is nurtured with a deep respect for its natural environment, and each
varietal is cultivated in its ideal terroir, allowing the land to speak in the most refined
of voices. The result? Wines of character, charm, and quiet distinction.
The 2023 Merlot is a testament to this ethos; a wine that exudes warmth, generosity,
and polish.

In the glass, a jewel-like garnet hue hints at its vibrancy. Aromas of ripe plum, wild
strawberry, and vanilla pod rise gracefully, giving way to a silky palate of red berry
compote, a whisper of spice, and supple, velvety tannins. There’s a quiet confidence
in its texture; smooth, rounded, and delightfully persistent.

Lush yet balanced, approachable yet refined, this Merlot invites conviviality. It is a
wine made not just to be admired, but shared. It is the ideal companion for a
thoughtfully prepared meal or an intimate evening around the table.
Food Pairing Inspirations:
Let the wine’s plush red fruit and gentle spice enhance heart-warming, elegant
dishes:

• Classic Beef or Venison Lasagne. Layers of savoury richness meet the wine’s
  soft embrace, creating a harmonious, comforting pairing.
• Free-Range Chicken Lasagne with Mushrooms & Spinach. A lighter, earthier
  expression that echoes the Merlot’s subtle herbaceous notes.
• Vegetarian Option. The same lasagne, sans meat, paired with a crisp green salad
  dressed in a lemony vinaigrette, allows the wine’s freshness and finesse to shine.
  Experience the essence of Vergenoegd Löw:
  www.vergenoegd.co.za
  Meerlust Rubicon (Stellenbosch)
  A South African Icon. A Global Standard.
  More than a wine, Rubicon is a statement. An icon of South African winemaking, it
  speaks to those who appreciate timeless craftsmanship.
  Gracefully straddling heritage and innovation, Rubicon is the quintessential South
  African Bordeaux-style blend. A benchmark of excellence, revered across
  continents. Crafted with precision and aged to perfection, it embodies elegance,
  structure, and longevity in every pour.
  Varietal Composition:
  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. A classic Bordeaux trio, meticulously
  harmonized.
  
  A seductive tapestry of dark berries, cedarwood, and exotic spice, wrapped in fine-
  grained tannins. Balanced and beguiling, it leaves a lasting impression.
  Winter Pairing Suggestions:
  Let the season’s richness meet Rubicon’s depth.
• Braised Lamb Shank with Rosemary & Garlic Mash. Mirroring the wine’s herbal
  nuance and velvety mouthfeel.
• Beef Wellington. A symphony of textures and richness that complements
  Rubicon’s robust structure.
• Aged Cheddar or Gruyère. For a post-dinner indulgence, these cheeses elevate
  the wine’s aged character and finesse.
  Cellar Note: Collectible and powerful. Can evolve beautifully over 5–10 years
  For the discerning palate, prepare to be captivated:
  www.meerlust.co.za
  Mullineux ‘Granite’ Chenin Blanc
  A Sculpted Expression of Swartland Purity.
  There are wines that speak of place, and then there are wines that “whisper the soul
  of the soil”.Mullineux’s ‘Granite’ Chenin Blanc is one such voice. Born of Swartland’s
  ancient granitic soils and crafted from dry-farmed old vines, this is a wine of both
  quiet intensity and profound depth. A white with the presence and poise of a grand
  cru.

Barrel-fermented with a light hand, ‘Granite’ is a masterclass in restraint and mineral
tension. It opens with a lifted perfume of citrus blossom, wet stone, and delicate
orchard fruit, but it’s the texture- layered, fine, and crystalline, that sets it apart. A
wine of purity and precision, made not to impress with volume, but to seduce with
structure and length.
Varietal:
100% Old Vine Chenin Blanc
Harvested from granitic soils; barrel-fermented and elegantly matured.
The Essence:
Textured, mineral-rich, and quietly powerful, this is a white wine with gravitas. It is
rare Chenin Blanc that is as winter-worthy as it is cellar-worthy. It evokes the
elegance of great white burgundy while retaining its distinct South African soul.
Flavour Profile:
A taut core of lemon pith, white peach, and fennel, underpinned by crushed stone
and subtle oak spice. The palate is simultaneously lithe and structured, with a
mouthwatering saline edge and a long, sculpted finish.
Winter Pairing Suggestions:
A wine this refined deserves dishes of equal finesse.

• Roast Chicken with Lemon & Thyme. A classic pairing elevated; the wine’s
  acidity lifts the richness, while its minerality echoes the herbaceous notes.
• Truffle Risotto. Earthy, luxurious, and deeply comforting, the creamy texture of the
  risotto finds its match in the wine’s layered complexity.
• Lobster with Herb Butter or Parmesan Gnocchi. For those seeking something
  indulgent, yet balanced.
  Cellaring Potential:
  While it stuns in its youth with vibrancy and verve, ‘Granite’ is also built to evolve.
  Over 5 to 10 years, it develops nuance, bringing out deeper tones of honeycomb,
  toasted hazelnut, and flint. A collectible white with the gravitas to age as beautifully
  as the vineyard itself.
  Celebrate rich winemaking and viticultural heritage at its best:
  www.mlfwines.com
  Le Lude Vintage Brut Agrafé
  A masterstroke of South African sparkling winemaking.
  Le Lude Vintage Brut Agrafé (Chardonnay & Pinot Noir) is as rare as it is refined.
  Crafted in the heart of Franschhoek, this exceptional cuvée is one of the few in the
  Southern Hemisphere produced using the agrafé method, a traditional Champagne
  technique where the second fermentation occurs under cork rather than crown cap.
  This artisanal approach imparts an exquisite oxidative depth, resulting in a wine of
  remarkable complexity, texture, and elegance.

In the glass, it reveals a symphony of roasted almonds, brûléed citrus, toasted
brioche, and delicate florals, all wrapped in a fine, persistent mousse. The palate is
simultaneously generous and precise. A poised interplay of creamy richness and taut
minerality, with a lingering savoury finish that invites contemplation.
Why for Winter:
In the cooler months, when the dishes become more decadent and the mood more
intimate, this wine truly comes into its own. The oxidative nuances and creamy
structure make it a natural partner to hearty, luxurious fare, offering the same depth
and gravitas as a fine vintage Champagne; but with an unmistakable South African
soul.
Perfect Pairings:
 Wild Mushroom Tart, Earthy, umami-laden notes echo the wine’s nutty, leesy
depth.
 Chicken Liver Parfait. A sumptuous match that plays on texture and
opulence.
 Pork Belly with Apple Glaze. The crisp acidity and rich mousse cut through
the richness while lifting the dish’s caramelised edges.
Le Lude Agrafé is not just an MCC, it is a celebration of craft, rarity, and the quiet
luxury of detail. Ideal for fireside toasts, winter feasts, or simply those moments when
only the extraordinary will do.
For those who appreciate the art of celebration and the allure of exquisite Cap
Classique:
www.lelude.co.za
Regardless of your personal palate, these varietals, when enjoyed in moderation and
paired with mindful hydration-promise to deliver both warmth and refinement as the
winter chill sets in. So here’s to a season of sophisticated sipping. May your cellar
and your spirit remain richly warm.

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