Two wines to try: very good offbeat wines from South Africa for under €13

A mouth-watering Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch and a Côtes du Rhône-like deeply flavoured red


This week we head south to Cape Town in South Africa – where it is currently 24 degrees, with zero chance of rain – to try two very good, slightly offbeat wines.

Delheim Chenin Blanc 2019, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Chenin Blanc is South Africa’s adopted white grape of choice and it can produce excellent wines. This has a perfect balance of mouth-watering ripe peaches alongside zesty citrus peel, finishing dry. A winner with oysters, scallops or stir-fried green vegetables. €11.95, down from €13.95 for the next month from O’Briens.

Fairview Goats do Roam 2017, Western Cape, South Africa

This is a Côtes du Rhône-style red (Goats do Roam – geddit?), a blend of Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah and Carignan. Rich rounded and deeply flavoured with slightly rustic ripe red fruits and a touch of spice. Great with grilled red meats or a slow roast shoulder of pork. €15.95 down to €12.95 for the next month from O’Briens.