The Backsberg Estates reliable everyday drinking wine. Ripe berry and floral aromas with a soft, fruity taste. Light and easy drinking, enjoy slightly chilled.

Bruce Jack is one of the most contagiously enthusiastic winemakers you’ll ever meet. He was declared South Africa’s ‘Winemaker of the Year 2009’ and his cellar, based in a former dynamite factory just 400 metres from the sea, scooped ‘Winery of the Year’ in 2008. Rules don’t sit happily with Bruce, so no surprise here that he’s blending a whole menage of grapes – Bordeaux varieties with the Rhone’s Syrah and South Africa’s very own Pinotage – to make a most unique, big flavour statement wine! Thanks to Bruce’s 100%-gravity-fed winery, the wine has a wonderfully silky texture. This red is best with food, so crack open a bottle with a large steak, a hearty stew, tomato and garlic sauced pasta, or a moussaka-style dish.

A cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, Pinotage is unique to South Africa, but was neglected in favour of international stars until recently. Today, however, it is “the talk of the party” (Tim Atkin MW). Drakenskloof was made by Paarl born Anton Swarts at one of South Africa’s top award winning wineries, Spier, founded in 1692 near Stellenbosch. The estate not only boasts a rich wine heritage, but within the domaine there is also a hotel, restaurant and cheetah reserve! Anton aged the wine in a combination of American and French oak, which has allowed gently smoky tannins to support the ripe berry flavours. Soft enough to be enjoyed on its own, this red is versatile with food, too – lamb or pork and chorizo casserole perhaps.

A clever blend of the classic Cabernet Sauvignon from Bordeaux with one of the traditional Port grapes. Lots of attractive fruit flavours on the nose which also carries through onto the palate with an additional hint of spiciness. Well balanced with a touch of toastiness and lingering after taste, this has smooth mid weight fruit and is a cracking example of a simple Cape Red wine.