World Cup in a Glass: Wines from Spain & South Africa

Even a casual soccer fan like me happily succumbed to World Cup fever. How could I not be seduced by a sporting event featuring gorgeous men from all over the globe, set in South Africa, and featuring music by Shakira? Really, I adore events that demonstrate, if only for a fleeting moment, that people from different cultures can play nicely together. (Perhaps the UN should meet on a soccer field?)

Spain, one of my favorite places in the world, beat the Netherlands to claim their first World Cup victory. And, although the South African soccer team didn't progress very far in the competition, the country made history as the first African nation to host the World Cup. So I raise my glass to Spain and South Africa. Both of these countries make delicious wines that are perfect anytime! Tell your friends to bring their own vuvuzelas for your World Cup celebration.

South African Wines
Heritage Link Brands is committed to making the best wines from Africa available to consumers via their online shop and distributors across the country. Did you know that South Africa is the continent's leader in wine production and is the 8th largest wine producing country in the world?  With so many wines to choose from, selecting a South African wine can be overwhelming. You can't go wrong with one of these picks.

M'Hudi Pinotage (2006) $16.99 - Produced in Stellensbosch, South Africa from 100% pinotage grapes, this deep red wine with notes of berries, spice and vanilla pairs brilliantly with barbecue,

Seven Sisters Yolanda Chenin Blanc (2008) $14.99 - The  liquid gold hue and appealing aroma of passion fruit make this a perfect summer wine.  It has subtle vanilla and tropical flavors and is produced from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes from the Western Cape.

Wines from Spain
During the 2 years I lived in Spain, I had the opportunity to drink many delicious wines, from the simple to the sublime. Spain can trace their wine production back to the Romans and is the third largest wine producing country in the world.

Llopart Rose Brut Reserva (2006) $16.99 - Spain's sparkling wine is known as cava and this sparkling pink version is a celebration in a glass. Produced in the Catalonia region, Llopart Rose Brut Reserva is composed of 60% Monastrell, 20% Garnacha and 20% Pinot Noir. The delicious notes of strawberry with a hint of spice would nicely complement thinly sliced Serrano ham.

Montecillo Crianza Tinto (2005) $13.29 - I once dated a charming guy from Brooklyn who made a mean paella and this was the wine he served. A full bodied red-wine from the Rioja region and composed of Tempranillo grapes, Montecillo Crianza has the unique ability to taste good with almost everything. This is a great everyday wine!