With temperatures dropping dramatically this last week you can imagine my delight when I was given a bottle of Red Muscadel from the Badsberg Wine Cellar.

Muscadels are deliciously rich fortified wines and when served slightly chilled they make a pleasant alternative to the more traditional winter warmer – Port!

Cape Muscadels are predominantly made from Muscat de Frontignan grapes (the name originates from the once internationally renowned wine of Frontignan in France) and can produce both white and red versions, due to the varying skin colour of the grape from pink to reddish brown.  

Muscat de Frontignan was one of the first varieties planted in the Cape in the 17th Century and is still used in the famous Constantia sweet wines which garnered international acclaim.

Established in 1951, Badsberg Wine Cellar lies in the beautiful Rawsonville area at the foot of the magnificent Badsberg mountain.

Badsberg's emblem, depicted on each bottle, is derived from the rare and protected haemanthus coccineus or March Flower found in the area. The flower blooms in March when the Hanepoot grape is traditionally harvested.

The winery sits in the Badsberg conservancy, an area renowned for the conservation of the indigenous fauna & flora.

Although the wine is fortified, it has an acceptable alcohol level of 15.5 percent allowing for that extra glass while enjoying the warmth of the fire place.

The wine has a bright red-amber colour with fragrant aromas of crystallised cherries and fruit cake. The flavours on the palate are rich and complex, characterised by its full ripe raisin sweetness. Delicious after dinner with a slab of rich dark chocolate...

The wine can also be enjoyed in summer served over crushed ice and if you buy a few extra bottles to put away you will find the additional maturation will further enhance the already wonderful flavours.

Expect to pay: R64.50

To order this wine, email Wine Concepts