The Wolftrap is one of the more unusual names given to wines
from the Western Cape.
Wolftrap wines are made by the Boekenhoutskloof Winery,
which was established 20 years ago at Franschhoek. In that time the cellar has
established a reputation for premium wines.
The winery has not, however, neglected the larger,
lower-price market, and it has made a significant impact with two labels in
this category: Porcupine Ridge and The Wolftrap. The reason for their success is simple: they offer very good wines at a reasonable
price.
The name Wolftrap is derived from the fact that an old wolf
trap was found on the Boekenhoutskloof farm many years ago, when the
Franschhoek Valley was much wilder than it is today. There are still plenty of
indigenous animals in the mountains, but no wolves. The name of the wine was
chosen as a reminder of days gone by.
A new The Wolftrap wine has just been released. It is a 2014
rosé, a blend of syrah
(shiraz), grenache and cinsaut. It is described as a fresh, crisp, dry wine
with red berry fruit, and it is said to be a versatile food partner for
anything from salmon to hot Thai dishes.
The bottle has a screwcap, and the wine retails at about R40
a bottle, much the same price as the others in The Wolftrap range.
Wolftrap White 2013 is a blend of viognier, chenin blanc and
grenache blanc, and it has peach, almond and apple flavours.
Wolftrap Red 2013 is an oak-matured blend of syrah,
mourvedre and viognier, and it is a smooth, savoury wine made for easy drinking.
* * * *
Magnum is not a wine but it is so delicious that it is worth
mentioning here.
Magnum Cream Liqueur, to give its full name, is made from
single malt Scotch whisky and Dutch cream. It has tastes of caramel, chocolate
and toffee, it is rich, smooth and creamy, and it has an alcohol content of 17
percent; small doses are recommended. Served chilled, it is excellent for
after-dinner sipping, or you can add it to coffee or cocktails. It comes in a
reusable stainless steel flask with screw-top and handles.
A one-litre flask costs about R130 and a 750-ml flask about
R110. – Michael Green
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