One of the Cape’s favourite events, Summer Wines Festival, is back, and this year takes place at Country Grand in Franschhoek on Saturday 4 March from 11h00 to 16h00.
Organiser Darielle Robertson says: "This is always a fun event and Cape Town usually has the best weather in March so it should be good day out for wine lovers."
Robertson has lined up some amazing summer wines from several top estates including:
Cap Maritime Chardonnay 2020: Winemaker, Gottfried Mocke describes this gorgeous white wine as having aromas of ripe citrus, fresh pineapple, yellow apple, and subtle whiffs of vanilla, nutmeg and preserved lemon. The lime and pineapple of the nose follow through, with flavours of white peach, apricot, poached pear and notes of lemon curd, honeysuckle and burnt caramel on a juicy, balanced palate,” and adds that the ideal food pairing would be grilled salmon with roasted sweet potato, served with a corn and feta salad, with balsamic dressing.”
Holden Manz Rothko Rosé 2022: Says cellarmaster Thierry Haberer: “The Holden Manz Rothko Rosé fits our slogan #roséallday! It is crisp, refined, full of strawberry and watermelon fruit with a wonderfully smooth after finish. Ideal for sipping by the pool and goes beautifully with fresh Mozambiquan prawns on the braai with a touch of red chili garlic butter and lots of friends!
L’Ormarins Private Cuvée: This gorgeous Cap Classique is made by Zanie Viljoen who says: “The palate is tangy and refreshing and full of vivid lemon and marmalade flavours. It is sumptuous, elegant, vibrant and fresh yet creamy, rich and statuesque and has a wonderful lingering finish. It’s perfect summer drinking and pairs well with steamed crayfish or lobster tails or a lovely grilled snapper.
La Motte 2022 Vin de Joie Rosé: A wine, cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche says, will “bring joy to both everyday moments and special occasions. Reminiscent of a Provencal Rosé, the style honours the estate’s winemaking heritage, but the grapes are a true celebration of South African terroir and its diversity. The colour is delicate, the palate juicy and the aftertaste refreshing. It’s all you want from a summer wine!”
Leopard’s Leap Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir: From winemaker Renier van Deventer, who says “this beautiful bubbly is vivacious and versatile. Enjoy an elegant balance of freshness and fruit with notes of strawberry, raspberry and citrus. The crisp bubbles make it playful on the palate and a brilliant partner for what you have on your plate.”
Lynx Blanc de Noir 2022: This wine is “one of the valley’s first releases,” says winemaker Pierre Louw. “The wine is made for the hot summer months and boasts with watermelon, rosewater and strawberry candy floss on the nose and palate with a lingering zesty fresh acidity to complete this summer wine."
Mont Rochelle Sauvignon Blanc: is described winemaker Michael Langenhoven as “a true reflection of the perfect harmony of cool and warm climate grapes. This wine portrays beautiful tropical fruits and a broad palate with a lovely freshness and complexity which makes it the perfect wine for Summer. It displays fresh passion fruit, gooseberries and lime on the nose. It is like summer in a glass! "
Nederburg The Winemasters Grenache Carignan Rosé: From winemaker Pieter Badenhorst, has a bouquet of tempting aromas of ripe orange melon, cling peach and subtle caramel with a shy hint of cherry and pomegranate with melon, cherry and pomegranate with revitalising juiciness and a subtle floral note on the palate. Rounded and ripe with pleasantly refreshing acidity throughout it goes superbly well with smoked salmon, risotto, summer salads or vegetarian dishes.
Rupert & Rothschild 2021 Baroness Nadine Chardonnay: Winemaker Kayla Oertle-Morse’s wine is the epitome of an elegant summer wine – crisp white pear and melon fruit on the palate with lingering toasted macadamia nougat and brioche. This seamless balance between freshness and delicate texture invites you to enjoy it all year round.
Terra Del Capo Pinot Grigio: A light yet appealing subtle lemon leaf nuance to a bouquet of stone fruit and nectarine, this wine from winemakers Estan De Wet and Mark van Buuren, has a vivacious and lively palate which offers up vivid nectarine flavour along with a tangy yet crisp citrus element. Refreshing and succulent with good body and length. Perfect for balmy and hot summer days.
Warwick Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc 2022: Cellarmaster JD Pretorius says of this wine: “It has a complex nose of elderflower, peach, lime, green fig and herbs. As the wine opens aromas of citrus blossom, fresh cut grass and fynbos appear. The palate is well balanced and full of energy with lime, herbs, green figs, and passion fruit, beautifully textured with bright lingering acidity and pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon and Thai noodle salad.
More wines will be announced soon.
Adds Robertson: “In addition to the wine tasting, attendees will also be able to purchase a delicious range of food, listen to live laidback music and indulge in loads of summer fun with friends and family.
And while the tastings will close at 16:00, the wine bar will stay open ‘till late so that guests can watch the sun go down while sipping on a cocktail and chilling to some relaxed vibes.”
The dress theme is ‘All White in Country Chic’.
Tickets for the Summer Wines Festival cost R280 pp and include a souvenir glass and a tasting from each winery.