A list of suggested wedding wines
Wedding wines - a list of suggestions
If you can really splurge, why not go all out and serve the real deal? Champagne can be sourced from various retailers in the country for under R450. And even if you do not want to share with the guests, Champagne is a must-have for the wedding night!
It is your special day, so why not go all out and serve the real deal? Champagnes can be sourced from various retailers in the country for under R450. And even if you do not want to share with the guests, Champagne is a must-have for the wedding night!
In terms of value, you might want to go for Tribaut-Schloesser Brut Millésime 2002 (R220) that has an intense nose with floral, citrus and yeasty notes. Available from Colmant Cap Classique and Champagne, Tel 021 876 4348, www.colmant.co.za
Gossét Grande Reserve (R403.20) is a sexy Champagne bursting with floral aromas and is termed by its producers as having "an enormous mischievous personality". A lingering mousse and a long finish will only add to your "forever yours" moment. Available from Morgenhof, Tel 021 889 5510, www.morgenhof.com
Other Champagne retailers:
Cuvées Classiques, Tel 021 461 7453, www.ccq.co.za
Inke Gouws Champagne Negociante, tel 079 268 3779, www.inkegouws.co.za
Marko Liquor stores
Outsource Logistics. Tel 021 863 9466, elzanne@outsource-logistics.com
Wine Cellar. Tel 021 448 4105, www.winecellar.co.za
Woolworths. Tel 021 407 2762, www.woolworths.co.za
Worthy bubblies:
Methode Cap Classique (MCC) refers to bottle-fermented sparkling wines that are made in the French tradition (Méthode Champenoise). Sparkling wine on the other hand, is just wine that has been "injected" with carbon dioxide to give it fizz. You really do not want to serve the latter at your wedding, and with many well-priced, (and well-produced) MCC's on the market, you really don't have to...
Jacques Bruére Blanc de Blanc 2006 (R85): It is difficult not to fall in love with this bubbly, since in terms of price and taste, it is one of the best value wines on the market. Available from Robertson farm Bon Courage, this bubbly is made from 100% Chardonnay and has a palate that reminds one of granny smith apples.
Another good buy from Robertson is Weltevrede Philip Jonker Brut Entheos NV (R55).
Villiera Traidition Brut NV (R60) might not be the most acclaimed bubbly, but it offers a lot of classy fizz for its price. Therefore it remains a firm favourite at celebratory events. Made in large quantities, this bubbly is easy to source as well. For the same reasons, Pongracz NV (R78) is a good choice.
Apart from having been the winner in the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge last year JC le Roux Pinot Noir Rosé 2006 (R94) has a romantic edge that makes it the perfect wedding companion - its pink hue closely resembles a blushing bride. This bubbly shows a good amount of red fruit on the nose which is complemented with a perfectly dry finish. Made by the same winemaker, Elunda Basson, the Pongrácz Brut Rosé (R94) is also a sexy, easily sourced wine.
Staying with the pink, you might want to go for the slightly pricier Colmant Brut Rosé NV (R136), a Chardonnay Pinot Noir blend from Franschhoek farm owned by Jean-Philippe and Isabelle Colmant.
For the rest of the evening
Chenin Blanc:
There is excellent value in Chenin Blanc. This varietal is classy without being pretentious and definitely over-delivers in taste.
Suggestions:
- Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Bush Vines 2008 (R30)
- Tukulu Chenin Blanc (R38)
- Bellingham The Maverick 2006 (R115)
Sauvignon Blanc:
Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice for a summer afternoon wedding. This varietal is known for its fresh acidity, resulting in crisp, zesty wines.
Suggestions:
- Cape Atlantic 2008 (Cederberg) (R30)
- Strandveld 2008 (R85)
- Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sur Lie 2007 & 2008 (R100)
Red Blends:
Red blends are good for a layered palate without the severe tannin grip you often find in single varietals such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Suggestions:
- Chamonix Rouge 2005 (R28)
- The Wolftrap Syrah Mourvédre Viognier 2007 (Boekenhoutskloof) (R30)
- Kanonkop Kadette (R55)
Shiraz:
Shiraz remains a favourite. It is a stylish, serious varietal that calls for an occasion.
Suggestions:
- Brampton Shiraz 2007 (Rustenberg) (R50)
- De Grendel Tijgerberg 2007 (R80)
- Mulderbosch Shiraz (R143.32)
Pinot Noir
This varietal is known for being refined and elegant. Feel free to serve this wine a bit chilled in summer.
- Herold 2007 (R85)
- Hoopenburg Bush Vine 2007 (R85)
- Oak Valley 2007 (R150)
You can, of course, compile your own list, in keeping with your budget that might be low, medium or high...
Here are some top-rated suggestions:
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WHITES |
Low |
Medium |
High |
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Chardonnay
|
Windmeul Reserve Barrel Fermented 2008 |
Oak Valley 2007 |
Creation Wines 2008 |
|
Ormonde 2007 |
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MAN 2007 Chardonnay (R35) |
Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile’s Lair “Kaaimansgat” 2007 |
Hoopenburg Integer 2006 |
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Boland Reserve No.1 2007 |
Vrede en Lust Marguerite 2007 |
Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale 2008 |
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Tokara Zondernaam 2007 |
Fleur du Cap Unfiltered 2007 |
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L’Avenir 2007 |
Diemersdal Reserve 2007 |
Mulderbosch Barrel Fermented 2007 |
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Fortress Hill 2007 |
Tokara 2006 |
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Chenin Blanc
|
Koelenbosch Hout Verouderd 2007 |
Rudera 2004 |
Bellingham The Maverick 2006 |
|
Mooiplaas Bush Vine 2008 (R37.50) |
Welbedacht Bushvine Barrel Fermented 2005 |
De Morgenzon 2007 |
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Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Bush Vines 2008 |
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The FMC Forrester Meinert Chenin 2007 |
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Tukulu (R38) |
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De Trafford 2008 |
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Hazendal Bushvine 2006 (R39) |
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Sauvignon Blanc
|
Cape Atlantic 2008 (Cederberg) |
Diemersdal Single Vineyard 2007 |
Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sur Lie 2007 & 2008 |
|
Fort Simon 2008 |
Rietvallei Special Select 2008 |
David Nieuwoudt Ghost Corner 2008 |
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First Sighting 2007 / 2008 |
Tokara Elgin 2007 |
Rijk’s 2007 (R90) |
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Strandveld 2008 |
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Graham Beck Pheasants’ Run 2008 |
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De Grendel Koetshuis 2008 |
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Fleur du Cap Unfiltered 2008 |
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Lomond Pincushion 2008 |
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White Blends |
De Leuwen Jagt Nuance 2008 |
Oude Denneboom Steenbok 2008 (R55) |
Oak Valley OV Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2007 (R120) |
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Glen Carlou Tortoise Hill White 2007 |
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TMV White 2007 (R125) |
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Goats do Roam White 2007 (Fairview) |
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Bizoe Henrietta 2008 (R170) |
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REDS |
low |
medium |
high |
| Shiraz | Brampton Shiraz 2007 (Rustenberg) (R50) | De Grendel Tijgerberg 2007 (R80) | Rhebokskloof 2006 (R92.50) |
| Mulderbosch Shiraz (R143.32) | |||
| Pinot Noir | Hoopenburg Bush Vine 2007 (R85) | First Sighting 2007 (Strandveld) (R95) | |
| Herold 2007 (R85) | Whalehaven 2007 (R96) | ||
| Sumaridge 2007 (R149) | |||
| Oak Valley 2007 (R150) | |||
|
Red blends |
Chamonix Rouge 2005 (R28) | Diemersfontein Summer's Lease 2007 (R67) |
Zevenwacht Z 2006 (R120) |
|
Diemersdal Mattys 2007 (R31) |
Zonnebloem Shiraz Mourvédre Viognier 2006 (Bergkelder) (R72) |
Middelvlei Momberg 2005 (R150) | |
|
Bordeaux-blends |
Arniston Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008 (the company of wine people) (R27.22) |
Paul Cluver The Elgin Blend 2005 (R60) |
Amani I am 1 (R120) |
|
Kaapzicht Bin 3 Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (R49) |
Saronsberg Provenance Rooi 2006 (R80) |
Creation Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Petit Verdot 2007 (R124.50) |
* Please note that all prices are ex-cellar
