South African Red Semi-Dry Wine Swartland Wynkeler, Ordinary Wine from South Africa
A Surprising South African Red Wine - But Only as Mulled Wine
summarizeEditor's Summary
We picked up the Swartland Contra Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot on a whim, and it turned out to be a decent find. The 3-liter bottle was a steal at 1499 rubles, and the corkscrew that came with it was a nice bonus. However, the wine itself wasn't exactly what we were hoping for - it was pretty acidic and simple. But, as it often does, necessity became the mother of invention, and we turned it into a delicious glühwein. The result was a game-changer, and we're still enjoying the leftovers. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option to spice up your holiday season, this might just be the ticket.
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live_helpFeatured FAQ
What's the best way to turn this wine into glühwein?
We recommend adding cinnamon, cloves, a bit of ginger, some honey to counteract the acidity, and a couple of lemons and oranges to the wine. The key is to balance out the flavors and find a combination that works for you.
Is this wine suitable for drinking on its own?
Unfortunately, the wine itself is pretty acidic and simple, so it's not exactly what we'd call enjoyable on its own. However, turning it into glühwein is a great way to mask the flavors and create something delicious.
Can I use this wine for cooking?
While we didn't try using this wine for cooking, it's definitely possible. The acidity and simplicity of the wine might make it a good candidate for certain recipes, but we can't recommend it without trying it ourselves.
Is the corkscrew that comes with the wine any good?
Yes, the corkscrew that comes with the wine is super handy and doesn't leak. It's a nice bonus that adds to the overall value of the purchase.
How long does the glühwein last?
We enjoyed the leftovers for days, and it was still delicious. The glühwein seems to get better with time, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy it over the holiday season.
Can I return this wine if I don't like it?
We're not sure about the return policy, but it's always a good idea to check with the seller before making a purchase. If you're not satisfied with the wine, it's always worth asking for a refund or exchange.
Is this wine suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
As far as we know, this wine is free from animal products, so it should be suitable for vegetarians and vegans. However, we always recommend checking the ingredients and labeling to be sure.
Can I use this wine for a special occasion?
While the wine itself might not be the most impressive, turning it into glühwein is a great way to add some festive flair to any occasion. Just be sure to balance out the flavors and find a combination that works for you.
check_circlePros
- •The corkscrew that came with the wine was super handy and didn't leak.
- •The 3-liter bottle was a total steal at 1499 rubles.
- •Turning the wine into glühwein was a total game-changer.
- •The spices we added to the glühwein really brought out the flavors.
- •The glühwein was perfect for warming up on chilly winter nights.
- •We enjoyed the leftovers for days, and it was worth every penny.
- •The glühwein got better with time, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy it over the holiday season.
cancelCons
- •The wine itself was pretty acidic and simple.
- •The aroma was a bit of a turn-off, even before we added the spices.
- •We had to get creative with the spices to make the glühwein enjoyable.
- •The wine arrived in a pretty unassuming cardboard box.
- •We had to add a lot of honey to counteract the acidity.
- •The taste was quite overpowering at first, but we managed to balance it out.
