Wine not? A curated list of beverages to savour and enjoy this winter

Winter is in full swing and with it the need to find warmth and comfort to offset the winter blues are a must. Nothing beats cosy nights by the fire with your favourite bar beverage in hand and an accompanying snack or meal to round off the occasion.

With this comfy scenario in mind we round up a few of our must have drinks to warm up your chilly days and nights.

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Red Wine:

No surprise red wine is probably the most preferred drink during winter as it pairs perfectly with hearty meals like stews, soups and pastas. With a vast selection to choose from we’ve curated a selection of our must haves.

Ernie Els wines nestled in the Helderberg region in Stellenbosch and named after the golfing legend himself, recently launched their 2022 Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon. Focusing mainly on Cabernet Sauvignon since they opened in 2005 the new release is Rubied with a plum core. Brooding peppery fruit on the nose peels off to cassis and blackcurrant,held aloft with savoury, meaty tones, sketching in fireside and scents of the veldt. Seductive flavours of pomegranate, morello cherry, dates and plums proliferate on the palate, bouncing off cedarwood, amber oil. This spectacular award winning wine is a must to add to your collection and the perfect accompaniment for any hearty meal.

Stellenzicht wine farm is renowned for producing award winning Syrah and a new addition to the collection is the Arenite Syrah. Continuing the legacy of exceptional quality Syrah, drawing from the same Syrah clone as an older, award-winning vintage was a must. Stellenzicht's Arenite Syrah reveals its heritage through opulent layers of dark berry, spice, and finely woven tannins. Simply enjoy and savour each sip and allow the flavours to tease your taste buds.

Tequila:

Tequila traditionally is a drink to be enjoyed when you’re out on the town and dancing the night away with friends in summer but there is absolutely no reason not to enjoy this in the comfort of your home on a cold winter night. Don Julio is a premium Tequila brand and as such its taste profiles are superior and justifies its higher price points. Their Reposado has a mellow, elegant flavour and inviting aroma, and is best savoured as part of a refreshing tasting cocktail or chilled on the rocks. The Anejo is rich, distinctive and wonderfully complex, its flavour strikes the perfect balance between agave, wood and hints of vanilla. Best experienced neat in a snifter or simply on the rocks. Whichever one you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

Cognac:

Remy Martin Cognac is in a class of its own and with its tantalising copper colour offers the discerning customer a superior drinking experience. Their 1738 is a smooth cognac with a creamy after taste of butterscotch, fig jam, baked spices & dark chocolate. Recommended neat, on the rocks or in a Sidecar cocktail. The perfect indulgence for chocolate aficionados and is paired well with BBQ or like we do in South Africa a classic braai.

The VSOP, an award winning Cognac Fine Champagne blend, is the classic of the house in its frosted black bottle & an eternal modern classic: sensual and stylish, edgy and intense. The brand has always been an innovator and designed the unique black frosted bottle with gold where previously they were transparent. Once again ensuring that they continue to differentiate themselves from the rest. This is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to best enjoy the flavour profiles which are A perfect harmony between the strength of dried fruit flavours and subtle notes of licorice, offering a great complexity of elegant and delicate aromas. Enjoy this with a group of like minded friends.

While we’re all ready for Spring to make itself known, why not enjoy a bottle of Telmont Champagne as a siren song for the warmer days to grace us with its presence. This century-old champagne house is sustainable and their winemakers remain loyal to traditional methods such as herbicide-free vine-growing, riddling or manual disgorgement. Relish its freshness, fine bubbles and subtle acidity. In my humble opinion whatever the season it’s always a good idea to enjoy a fine bottle of champagne.

Jack Black's Super Crush Grapefruit Radler is the perfect drink to share with your friends! Served cold or over ice, you won't want to put it down. This lower in alcohol beer has been described as a sessionable drink meaning you can enjoy many bottles in one drinking session. This is a refreshing drink with natural fruit flavours and hits just the right spot.

Image Supplied: Jack Black Super Crush Radler

A good whiskey is a must and the Classic Laddie Islay Single Malt Scottish Whisky is no exception. Described as a classic, elegant and floral house style, no batch is the same due to its unique process to preserve the natural flavours of the whisky which ensures no batch is exactly the same. From the beginning to the end of the process meticulous care is not only taken for the outcome but as well as ensuring the environment endures minimal disruption in its production. Cheers to the team!