Upper Valley Dry Red is a red dry wine produced by Nabygelegen, South Africa. The 1.5-litre bottle offers generous quantity for gatherings. It’s made using grapes from Western Cape vineyards and is marketed as a fruit-driven wine with slight oak influence. It does not lean toward heavy or high-end oak ageing; rather, it aims to provide a balanced, everyday red wine experience that works well with meals or casual sipping.
Tasting Notes:
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Appearance: Deep ruby red; rich colour indicating maturity and fruit concentration.
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Aroma: Aromas of ripe dark fruits, think plum, black cherry, with mild oak and a hint of spice.
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Palate: Medium to full body; juicy dark fruit flavours dominate (plum, berry), supported by soft oak tones; tannins present but smooth, making the wine quite drinkable.
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Finish: Dry and clean with lingering fruit and subtle oak spice; not overly long but pleasant and balanced.
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ABV: ~ 13%
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve at around 16-18 °C (room temperature or slightly cooler) to allow the fruit and tannins to express without being masked by cold.
- Pairs nicely with grilled meats (beef, lamb), rich pasta dishes (tomato- or meat-based), hearty stews, or mature cheeses.
- Also works well in casual settings: BBQs, pizza night, or with charcuterie.
- Given the large size (1.5 L), it is ideal for gatherings / sharing; open it ahead of serving so it can aerate a bit for extra flavour.