WORDS Kay-Ann Van Rooyen
Wondering which wines everyone else is drinking in 2018? A sommelier knows best.
Rosé is the new Sauvignon Blanc, says Moses Magwaza, who guides diners through the wine menu at Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient in Pretoria. Indeed, rosé could not be trendier, agrees Roland Peens, director at online merchant Wine Cellar, but, he says, also expect your Sauvignon Blanc to have an extra gear this year.
When it comes to white wines, Mosaic diners are starting to ask Moses to recommend Chenin Blancs and even Rieslings, two varietals that the restaurant has been including in its wine-pairing tasting menu. After falling out of favour for a while, Chenin is on the up, agrees Lieze Norval, wine guide at Caroline’s Fine Wine Tours. This trend is borne out by the 30% rise in the rand-per-litre price for Chenin achieved at the 2017 Nederburg Auction.
In line with the fine-dining trend towards lighter, healthier foods, Moses says, diners are asking for food-friendly lighter-bodied reds such as Grenache, Cinsaut and Cabernet Franc. Caroline’s Fine Wine Cellar can attest to the rising demand for these three varietals. Long underrated or used mainly in blends, they are now getting some attention and care from a few highly rated winemakers and gaining a growing band of admirers.
Here are 5 wines to keep in mind this year.
Raats Original Chenin Blanc 2017, R131 at Caroline’s.
Onderkloof Cabernet Franc 2014, R74 at Caroline’s.
Leeuwenkuil Grenache Noir 2015, R127 at Caroline’s.
Bellevue Cinsaut 2015, R101 at Caroline’s.
Jean Roi Cap Provincial Rosé from L’Ormarins, R300 at Wine Cellar.
