• Have you ever heard of the Rhône Valley in France? A swift Google search will quickly reveal it to be one of those, “Wish you were here” kind of places. Below, we chat about red wines to remember from this valley.

    The Rhône Valley is made up of two distinct wine profiles; the North is the home of Shiraz and the South has an ensemble of styles from the multi blend Châteauneuf -du-Pape; two excellent Rose wines.

    The wines are seductive, unique and wonderful, and have a wide selection of price ranges from ‘everyday affordable’ to ‘some of the most expensive and collectible wines ever produced’ (and this can fall within the price of R 16 000 per bottle of newly released Romanee Conti – and yes, that is per bottle, not per barrel!)

    Now being people of relatively standard means, but still wine-lovers none the less, we’ve put together a list of South African Shiraz-based blends that are sure to satisfy your hunger for a great red wine.

    2012 Creation Wines Syrah Grenache: Winewizard.co.za/creation-wines-syrah-grenache-2/

    2012 Thokozani SMV (Shiraz Mouvedre Viognier): Winewizard.co.za//thokozani-smv/

    2011 Leeuwenkuil Family Reserve Red: Winewizard.co.za/wine/leeuwenkuil-family-vineyards-lions-lair-family-reserve-red/

    2010 Rhebokskloof SMG (Shiraz Mouvedre Grenache): Winewizard.co.za/rhebokskloof-smg/