LYRA MAG.

NOBEL SQUARE -statues of four of the country's Noble Peace prize...Albert Lithuli, Desmond Tutu, FW de Kleerk, and Nelson Mandela. A 'seventh wonder of the world' Tabletop Mountain...in the background A cuppa ---no better non-caffeine sip than South Africa's Rooibus tea...naturally sweet and soothing. South Africa's Nike football team jersey-made into a long anorak... South Africa's 'cuisine' is actually very varied----reflecting it location at the tip=aka as a major trading port. Above- foods influenced by India's culture  morphed with African offerings--- resulting in spice loaded (cumin, coriander, cardamom, fennel, turmeric):- to insanely hot eats.  Vegetarian snacks-fried samosas...fried whole peppers-and fresh sliced veggies-paired with soothing yogurt and sauces. FYI-three of us barely made a dent into this filling appetizer. Halal meats and curries =standard fare. CODA: South African wines are great values...the nearby Ste...

Sparkling + white  wines from Loire Valley France, South Africa and Greece-travel the globe, palate wise-without leaving home. via GIPHY BOUVET-Ladubay --crisp lively texture, clean balanced fruit flavors-very elegant 20% Chardonnay/80% Chenin Blanc- priced under $14-  from winery established in 1851-now run by 4th generation family. Domaine de Cézen -Coteaux de Loir-good till the last drop...well balanced Chenin grapes-from clay-calcareous soil-this wine pairs well with grilled fish Rich volcanic soils on the glorious Santorini island plus that fab weather=ideal growing conditions for native island grape...Assyrtiko by the Santo Winery -a co-op...crisp, medium bodied fruit-acid - with citrus, stone, and lemongrass  mouthfuls...vinified in stainless steel....ideal for Mediterranean or Asian cuisines eaten anywhere! Nonalcoholic sips are in demand...fresh apples bouquet-delicious chilled-Martinelli's Organic Sparkling Cider. is flute worthy, Widely availabl...

 Part One:  Quaffing regional craft beers-Americans have shown great love for home grown brews. But for sophisticated summery wines-palate pleasing value options are internationally produced...and readily available. Some recent favs...from South Africa Sparkling Rosés merge the win win of summer's fresh fruity acid leaning Rosés and traditional sparkling wines. Perfect for outdoor occasions- from casual beach  outings to fancier celebrations- DGB 's Boschendal 's 300 years of winemaking-produces this yummy award winning,  pink hued Brut Rosé -  made in the traditional Methods Cap Classique - spending 12 months on the lees.  Bonus points for memorable names--- Black Elephant Vintners ' Two Dogs A Peacock & A Horse (yup there's a story MO about the name/label)...a South African Sauvignon Blanc -is  spicier acidic mineral complex sip- than typical New Zealand style wines of this grape-though both have fruity overtones which make these fo...