Local legend, Dan Nicholl, runs the online show Dan Really Likes Wine. In every episode, Dan breaks down what you need to know about his cellar favourites. For a light-hearted approach to wine that's helpful for the wine newbie and the seasoned connoisseur, make sure you visit danreallylikeswine.com. Here are some of Dan's wine recommendations for spring.
MULLINEUX OLD VINES WHITE 750ML
Old vines-winemakers love them, accountants don't. As they get older, the yields drop, but the quality of the fruit grows, and the grapes deliver more intense flavour. The result rich, layered, textured wine, in this case masterfully presented by wife and husband team of Andrea and Chris Mullineux.
Mullineux OLD
Vines
White
R399 (Unit Price Per Case)
KEN FORRESTER PATS GARDEN RESERVE 750ML
Ken is celebrated as the king of chenin blanc (and rightly so)- but that's not the only wine he has a deft touch with. Historically Pat's Garden was a merlot, the grape still headlines what's now a Bor- deaux blend that revels in soft, smooth, accessible fruit.
KEN FORRESTER
Pat's Garden
Reserve or Renegade
R159 (Unit Price Per Case)
SYDNEY BACK KOSHER CHARDONNAY 750ML
The Back family's Lithuanian Jewish roots inspire a range that's me vushal and kosher for passover- and offers some lovely wine. The chardonnay, an unwooded wine that allows the fruit to take centre stage, offers a fresh, zesty expression of the grape that embraces a range of meals.
Kosher
Chardonnay
R135 (Unit Price Per Case)
BOSCHENDAL BRUT ROSE N/V 750ML
Cap Classique is no longer a cheaper alternative to champagne; in- stead, it's making a statement on its own terms, as Boschendal's range affirms. Rosé Cap Classique in particular has never been more popular, and this wine-from pinotage-offers elegance, a whisper of strawberry, and welcoming freshness.
Brut NV
Luxe Nectar or
Brut Rose
R159 (Unit Price Per Case)
IONA SAUVIGNON BLANC 750ML
Sauvignon blanc's popularity remains considerable, but it can pres- ent a wine with an acidity that's too pronounced for some palates. Enter lona, and a simple but expertly applied solution: adding a 7% splash of semillon that adds balance and depth to the wine, and softens the acidity perfectly.
IONA
Sauvignon Blanc
R159 (Unit Price Per Case)