Tassies, noun

/ˈtæsiːz/, /ˈtasiːz/
colloquial. Shortened form of the proprietory names of any of several red wines, particularly Tassenberg, but also Taskelder and Tasheimer; applied loosely to other popular red wines (see quotations 1981 and 1983). Also attributive.
Note:
All the proprietory names include the name of Adam Tas, a burgher arrested by the Governor in 1706 for circulating a petition.
1978 Darling 19 July½ bottle good red wine (Tassies will do).
1979 Capetonian July 19South Africans can tart up their Tassies during cold Boland winters by making mulled wine or hot wine punches.
1981 S. Afr. Digest 31 July 12Tassies, as it is affectionately known, is back with its old label. A combination of the names of Adam Tas and Papegaaiberg, Tassenberg has become a legend in its own time...SFW has decided to bring back Tassies in its old livery.
1981 Sunday Times 13 Dec. (Mag. Sect.) 1They only appear at lunch time to consume their entire weight in boerewors and potato salad. They down another couple of beers, while their wives drink Tassies out of plastic mugs.
1983 D. Hughes et al. Complete Bk of S. Afr. WineIn other wine ranges the name of Adam Tas is remembered..as Tasheimer, Oom Tas, Taskelder & Tassenberg, to the extend that ‘Tassies’ has gone into the vernacular.
1990 S. Nichols in Style Nov. 82Cheap and cheerful parties, with Tassies and lasagne, limp salad and loud music,..fondly remembered by everyone over 40.
1993 D. Biggs in Rhodent 23Have you ever heard a plonk drinker recommending a particular vintage of Tassies or Taverna?
1993 D. Biggs in Rhodent 24Mature, What an old Tassies drinker likes to think he is.
Shortened form of the proprietory names of any of several red wines, particularly Tassenberg, but also Taskelder and Tasheimer; applied loosely to other popular red wines (see quotations 1981 and 1983). Also attributive.
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