FEATURE | Braai & Wine Pairing
The Ultimate
BRAAI &
WINE PAIRINGS
From braaibroodjies to wors, THERE’S A WINE TO MATCH
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s 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. T O STA RT 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) 2 6
SOUTH AFRICAN CONNOISSEUR
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T H EM SN ACKS 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) BRAAIED SN OEK 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) F RESH SHEL L FIS H 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
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