Ingrid’s coming up rosés

Born in Adelaide (Australia’s largest wine-growing region), F&HE’s wine and travel editor Ingrid Casson studied wine and journalism before moving to SA 10 years ago. Mad about wine and food, she’s happiest when travelling…

With the waft of spring blooms in the air and my bones starting to thaw, it’s clear the seasons are changing. Which calls for a new season of food and drink. Although it might be a little premature – my TV blanket still isn’t quite stashed away – I’m well into the swing of rosé wines. This isn’t just because they’re so pretty to look at and that they put me in a good mood, but they’re also incredibly friendly with food. The sweeter styles are fabulous with something spicy and the dry sorts suit the whole spectrum, from salty antipasti to light salads and gamey meats.
On Women’s Day this month, friends and I found ourselves at Pick n Pay on Nicol’s Thyme on Nicol restaurant in Jozi. We discovered that you can pair your meal with a bottle of the fabulous Graham Beck Brut Rosé and, better yet, it’s on the wine list for just over the shelf price cost of R125 (a deal so alluring we revisited the following Saturday for more bubbles and sushi brunch).
Because the wine list is supplied by the supermarket, bottle prices are brilliant and the small but well-chosen selection is well suited to the bistro-style food. While many head there especially for the burgers and sushi, I love the herb-laden salads, homemade pastas and open sandwiches laden with interesting gourmet goodies. Picks include the roast chicken and quinoa salad with dates, butter chicken (or falafel) tortilla with a herb salad and the huge breakfast menu – anything with salmon seems to be a favourite with the punters.
In a city where breakfast service doesn’t always seem so awake, the staff at Thyme on Nicol are attentive and energetic. I could head back there every weekend and not get bored of the food … or the bubbles…
Corner William Nicol and Republic Rds, Hurlingham, Johannesburg. Call 011-998-3341.