Easy Drinking

This month’s wine picks are all about rich flavours and balance. In these whites and reds, you’ll find both fruity and floral flavours all balanced out to smooth and velvety finishes which make them easy to drink.

From left: 14 Hands, Dry Land Collection. Darling Cellars, Wolf-Trap, Dry Land Collection

14 HANDS HOT TO TROT RED

Predominantly a blend of Merlot and Syrah grapes, this balanced red wine offers aromas of cherries, red currant and tea and flavours of cherries, ripe berries and plums on the palate. Coupled with soft and velvety tannins, this smooth easy-drinking stand alone wine finishes with hints of toast and mocha.

Price 1750. Available from California Wines by Rose. Phone no: +254700004499 californiawineskenya.com

THE DRY LAND COLLECTION - COURAGEOUS

This barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc is made in a rich and ripe wooded style. The result is an aromatic and textured white wine with aromas of citrus, pear and pineapple. The wood maturation on the palate gives it a vanilla and litchi flavour with a crisp rounded finish. This wine can be kept for up to 3 to 5 years from vintage.

Price 1895 Available from TheWine Shop. Tel 0718 003326.thewineshopkenya.com

DARLING CELLARS 2017

This fruit-forward South African blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot has a good combination of dark fruit and structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon and red berry fruit from the Merlot. On the palate, it is smooth and dry with well-balanced tannins.

Price 1050. Available from MIA Wines. Tel 0721 623474

THE WOLFTRAP WHITE BLEND 2017

This South African white blend of Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc has a clear honey white colour with aromatic green and floral flavours. On the palate flavours of peach, melon and green apple are followed by crisp refreshing spice.

Price 1620. Available from MIA Wines. Tel 0721 623474

THE DRY LAND COLLECTION - JOSEPH’S LEGACY 2015

This South African red blend of Shiraz, Cabernet, Malbec has a complex nose of black pepper, cherry, plum and surprisingly biltong! On the palate, it is structured with notes of cloves, spice and a slight chocolate finish. Fantastic pair with grilled steaks!

Price 1895 Available from: The Wine Shop. Tel 0718 003326. Thewineshopkenya.com