CLASSIC BRAAI AND WINE

Is there anything better than a summer braai? The lazy days around the pool, the clank of a Weber lid, and the promise of a tender tjop sizzling away. The only thing that might make your afternoon even better? Great wines to pair alongside your go-to braai recipes.

South Africans braai just about anything. So this often means there’s a variety of dishes on the table, making it tricky to pick just one or two wines to serve. To help out, we’ve paired a number of wines with some real braai classics.

Welcome your guests with a chilled glass of bubbly or rosé. While the salads are being prepped, and the fire has just been lit, a bottle of MCC or a fresh, fruity pink wine will set the tone of a great Sunday afternoon. Plus, if anyone wants to keep on the bubbly all day, it goes particularly well with mild chicken and fish dishes, and also fresh snacks.

Our pick: Anthonij Rupert L’Ormarins Blanc de Blanc 2013 (Price R229)

A braai isn’t a braai without a bowl of biltong and salty crisps, right? Chenin Blanc is another great choice of wine before a meal with its slightly sweeter tones of apple and floral notes pairing well with light snacks and cheeses. If you’ve got a salad with a creamy dressing, keep the Chenin a-flowing. Our pick: Bellevue Chenin Blanc 2020 (Price R90)

A true Cape treasure, snoek on the braai is always a firm favourite. It’s often prepared with apricot and butter, which adds a sweet edge to the predominantly salty fish. Try pairing this dish with a white blend: the light fruitiness complements the sweet apricot flavours, and a blend with oak finish will also allow the richness of braaied snoek to come through. Our pick: Villiera Down to Earth White 2020 (Price R69,99)

We’re talking mussels over the grill, or maybe some prawns or crayfish with garlic butter. Remember though, a Chardonnay’s softness is easily overwhelmed by pungent foods, so

avoid pairing it with strong flavours. Instead, match a Chardonnay with delicate and lightly cooked fish dishes. Oh, and Chardonnay also goes particularly well with hot, buttered-up braai mealies. Our pick: Spier Seaward Chardonnay 2019 (Price R99)

For white meats, you need white wine. And, there’s nothing better than a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to stand up to a bit of spice. If you enjoy slightly spiced chicken over the braai, Sauvignon Blanc’s tropical fruit flavours will enhance the flamegrilled bird. Plus, a good Sauvignon Blanc goes really well with potato salad too. Our pick: Silver Leaf Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (Price R79,99)

A red blend is a great choice here because it pairs well with red meats, and won’t overpower any of the barbequed flavours. Lamb chops and beefsteak are accompanied really well by full-bodied red wines like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines pick up the smokiness of the meat and those with heavy tannins can help cut through fatty meats like wors. Our pick: Eagles' Nest Little Eagle Red 2017 (Price R169)

A glass of Merlot is a great companion for most of the regular starchy, cheesy side dishes you see at many braais. A good Merlot’s velvety tannins and sweet red fruit flavours can lift the delicious heaviness of a cheesy braai broodjie or creamy potato bake. Our pick: Glenelly Glass Collection Merlot 2017 (Price R109)

Whatever you decide to serve for dessert, a sweet wine is always a good option, even on its own. Thinking about serving a malva pudding, milk tart or maybe even a Magnum ice cream? A Riesling or Noble Late Harvest is your best bet. The dried fruit flavours will complement the sugar content of just about any dessert. Our pick: De Wetshof Mine d’Or Riesling 2018 (Price R112)