Some rugby rivalries are great. Those that involve our national team are different. They’re typically decades or even centuries old, fiercely contested, and emotionally charged, with each match carrying the weight of the ones that came before it.
When our team clashes with these historic rivals, no South African rugby fan is unaffected. Kitchens go quiet. Group chats go feral. Streets come to a standstill. And glasses get filled with something worthy of the occasion.
The Pre-Match Wind-Up: 221 Sauvignon Blanc
The build-up to a South African test match is long and loud. Predictions are made. Arguments start. Pre-match analyses go on for hours. For all of this, the 221 Sauvignon Blanc is best: fresh, crisp, and refreshing without being heavy. It matches the pre-match pace.
During The Match: 221 Pinotage
When the national anthems end and the ball is kicked off, you need a wine that holds up under pressure. The 221 Pinotage is crafted for such occasions. Smooth, consistent, and satisfying, it’s the wine you want through the tight passes, the controversial calls, and the moments that make you want to throw the remote.
Post-Match: 221 Special Cuvée Red
Win or lose, the post-match conversation is worth having. It goes deep into the night, covering everything from tactics and selections to history and pride.
The 221 Special Cuvée Red is made for these types of conversations. It has enough depth to match the seriousness of the subject matter and enough warmth to keep the discussions from becoming a eulogy.
A Note On Rugby Rivalries
The greatest rivalries aren’t about hatred. They’re about respect. The kind that only comes from consistently competing against someone who forces you to be better.
Our national team and its rivals have been making each other better for ages. That’s worth toasting, every single test.
Now that’s a 221 story.
