[imagesource: Anthonij Rupert Wine]

Every time I travel to another country, I make a point of checking out which South African wines are being sold at the local supermarkets.

It’s a proud moment when a really quality local brand is sitting on the shelf, as if this faraway place recognises South Africa in some small way.

It’s even better when a foreign publication from over the sea and land boasts on our behalf about three of the most lekker Cape wines.

Richmond News, based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, just published a column titled ‘Three South African wines to fight inflation’.

They are referring to three stellar choices from our favourite spot in the Franschhoek Winelands.

The Canadian article starts off with a little preamble about our national flower, and how it so prettily adorns Anthonij Rupert Wine‘s Protea bottle selection.

Then the article launches into a lovely review recommending the Protea Chenin Blanc, Rosé, and Cabernet Sauvignon as the best inflation-fighting wines.

They’re clearly the best value for money, even in far-flung destinations that have to import the goods for purchase.

The Protea 2020 Chenin Blanc was awarded 88 points (‘Very Good’) and said to be delicious with a pulled pork meal:

Light lemon in appearance the Chenin has a generous floral nose mixed with nectarine and melon. It’s tangy and very crisp which balances the quince and mango fruit.

The wine spent two months on its lees in stainless steel tanks to provide a creamy texture with a dry citrus and tropical fruit finish.

Yes, very good indeed.

The Protea 2020 Rosé was given the same score and compared to wine in “Provence with its distinctive orange-pink hue”:

Suave aromas and flavours of strawberry, flowers, watermelon and citrus greet your senses. There’s excellent crispness with a long dry tangerine finish.

We are very much in agreement.

Finally, the Protea 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon scored 89 points for its “rich voluptuous flavours” and “generous bouquet” of “black fruit, vanilla, tobacco, barbecued meat, and smoke along with graphite”.

If you’re sold, you can snap a few bottles (or cases) up via the Anthonij Rupert Wine online store, where the Protea Chenin Blanc, Rosé, and Cabernet Sauvignon are all available at R78 a bottle.

That’s roughly R100 cheaper than what the Canadians have to spend:

We are also fortunate enough to have more options in the Protea range, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Pinot Grigio, and Merlot. These are also all available at R78 a bottle.

If you feel like some bubbles, it’s worth trying the recently launched maiden vintage L’Ormarins Private Cuvée Cap Classique.

The delightful blend of 66% Chardonnay and 34% Pinot Noir was matured for an extraordinary 72 months on the lees, disgorged, and complemented by a further six months under cork before its grand release.

Aren’t we lucky to have so many wonderful wine and bubbly options right on our doorstep?

[source:richmondnews]