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041WINE columnist Lelethu Zondani helps us pair our rugby World Cup patriotic spirit with the perfect wine for the occasion. 

We’re getting closer and closer to the final games of the rugby World Cup and I don’t know about you but I believe we’re winning this one again, so get out your champagne glasses honey it’s about to be a celebration! 

My favourite part about being South African is the sport’s traditions. I grew up attending rugby Derby’s on the weekend, and although I was watching for the wrong reasons I enjoyed the unity and the spirit we had as the supporters. Apart from this beautiful tradition was the food and there’s a great deal of importance surrounding it. You would find the most delicious boerie rolls, biltongs and someone somewhere is having a braai on site. The main drink of the night will obviously be Beer and we wine drinkers are barely catered to during these events but worry not, I’m here to give you tips on how to enjoy the night too.

Let’s start with the red wine lovers, we have to stay on the theme of being South African so I want to throw in a spicy Shiraz that’s rich but still has a medium body to it and magnificent flavour that you won’t get bored as the night goes. Your best bet is the Durbanville collectors Reserve High Noon Shiraz 2021 which retails for R165, this wine has a medium- to full-bodied wine with ripe, red berry flavours of cherry and rich raspberry, white pepper and molasses. Lingering on the palate with blueberries on the aftertaste, the wine is best enjoyed slightly chilled. 

For my white wine lovers, it’s your time to shine. I know they throw you a lot of hate for liking white wine and the “you’re not a real wine drinker” is getting old cause you guys are smart and know your alcohol limits. So for that, I’m gifting you a Chenin Blanc. Once dismissed as the ugly duckling of the vineyard, Cape Chenin has become a swan, distinguished for excellence, grace and the capacity to delight. Antonij Rupert Cape of Good Hope Riebeeksrivier Chenin Blanc 2021 will be your star of the night. Trust me. Quince, poached peach and a whiff of vanilla on the nose. The palate is fresh, offering up the peach and quince fruitiness but with a lovely lime tang and vibrance. All of that is offset against a gentle background of creamy oak – which is subtly but beautifully integrated with charming vanilla and butterscotch notes. Textured and long, nothing Is overplayed with impressive harmony, palate weight and genuine refinement. Rewarding aftertaste. This beauty retails for R150. I suggest you buy a case. 

Last but not least, I’m going to combine my Rosé and champagne lovers into one bottle. I present to you, Le Lude Brut Rosé ! Red berries, coulis and strawberry sherbet aromas provide a delicate profile to the wine. Hints of grapefruit and rose water linger on the back palette. A rich texture is supported by an elegant acidity. Initially fresh red berries and wild plum. The aftertaste is complex with notes of berries and subtle spice. This picture of elegance retails for R360. 

I wish you all a beautiful Bokke Sunday and may the odds be in our favour 

Cheers ! 🥂🏉

Lelethu Zondani is a 27-year-old wine enthusiast who turned her passion for wine into a business of reviewing wine estates and vintages and hosting wine-tasting events. She has been honoured in the Wine Industry’s 30 under 30.  (Instagram YouTube)