Is it or isn’t it spring? Some say it starts firmly on the first of September, others that the season is heralded by the spring equinox (which this year is a little before dawn on the 23rd), while the “four seasons in one day” weather of the past week confirms that Mother Nature pays no mind to any “official” dates.
Nonetheless, wine lovers’ thoughts are likely slowly turning from the hearty reds of winter to the whites and pinks that echo the new season, and some new arrivals provide good reason to lighten up the wine selection.
Where better to welcome spring than in the garden?
The ever-inventive Retief cousins of Van Loveren in Robertson have produced SA’s first rosé version of the light-bodied Italian pinot grigio in honour of family matriarch Jean Retief and her love of gardening.
Jean established the lush gardens that delight visitors to Van Loveren, with many of the trees planted to commemorate family milestones and historic events, and her passion is reflected in the floral label of Perlé de Jean Pinot Grigio.
The garden and spring vibes are echoed in the wine too – it’s all strawberries and cream, lightly fizzy with fruity sweetness and balanced with typical pinot grigio zesty crispness.
Medium bodied and relatively low alcohol (12%), it would make a refreshing sip after a morning’s work reviving the garden for the new season. or entertaining friends in the said garden. The wine is available at Makro from this month, at R69,99.
Another strawberries and cream spring charmer comes from the cheerful Angels Tears range made by Grande Provence – a range that’s a great go-to for inexpensive quality everyday drinking.
Their just-released rosé, mostly from pinotage and shiraz grapes, is a delicate candyfloss pink, fresh and gentle, full of juicy berries and perfect for picnics, poolside and sunset.
For something a little sweeter, Angels Tears Moscato is also a new release – a refreshing and lively natural sweet white wine bursting with ripe fruit and a touch of florals and spicy notes.
At the slightly more serious end of the pink scale, Steenberg Ruby Rosé adds to the winery’s range named for ships that took part in the 1795 Battle of Muizenberg on the shore overlooked by the Steenberg vineyards.
A blend of syrah and cinsaut, its pretty gold-tinged pink leads into fresh, bright fruit flavours with a touch of creaminess and a dry finish.
Berries and spice open up into more layers of flavour, giving the wine depth and complexity.
An easy-drinking wine on its own, not so serious that it needs food, but also a good partner to sushi and salads featuring light flavours like smoked salmon or smoked chicken.