In preparation for National Shiraz Day on 21 August 2021, my eternal love affair with Shiraz recently culminated in a sensational sipping experience at Simon’s Restaurant, tucked into the leafy embrace of Groot Constantia.
Introduction
One might say it was a celebration too early, but such a deep and complex wine varietal like Shiraz should be celebrated at every opportunity, with purpose and intent.
To showcase the versatility and incredible character of Groot Constantia‘s Shiraz 2017, I was invited a few weeks ago to experience this multi-award winning wine alongside some of the sterling dishes on the new Simon’s Restaurant menu.
Under new ownership, everyone’s favourite Simon’s Restaurant has been invigorated with renew energy and focus, but with the continued promise of sourcing only the best quality seasonal and local ingredients, freshly prepared every time for your utmost dining pleasure .
Background
Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine farm, with an uninterrupted 336-year history of producing world-renowned wine. The estate is a Provincial Heritage Site and a living museum open to the public seven days a week, where guests can walk its historic vineyards on the Visitors Route, take a tour through the Cloete Cellar (built in 1791) — the birthplace of the world-famous and globally celebrated wine of South Africa, Grand Constance, — and taste Groot Constantia’s many award-winning, hand-crafted wines.
National Shiraz Day
During an online presentation, chairman of Shiraz SA, Edmund Terblanche, announced that Shiraz SA has recently decided to proclaim 21 August National Shiraz Day.
Groot Constantia Shiraz 2017
Groot Constantia Shiraz 2017In the vineyard: 100% Shiraz
In the cellar: The wines were matured for 12 months in 25% new, 25% 2nd fill, 25% 3rd fill barrels and 15% 4th fill 500 litre French oak barrels, with 10% in 2700 litre foudre.
Awards and accolades:
Cellar door price: approx. R266 per bottle
Simon’s Restaurant
A gorgeously sunny day in the middle of winter, we arrived to Groot Constantia‘s brightest autumn colours. Deciding to make the most of the views and weather, we settled in on the top terrace at Simon’s Restaurant, with a sweeping view of the rolling vineyards. Safely socially distanced and breathing in the fresh autumn-scented air, I was filled with anticipation at the thought of the Shiraz-centered feast to follow.
Being the Little Hedonist I am, Dawn and her team made sure we could experience most of their contemporary-classic menu by offering us a smorgasbord of plates, carefully chosen to celebrate all the different layers of Shiraz. All of these dishes are available as individual plates on their full menu, which you can view and download here.
Game carpaccio
With a grand and satisfying pop, our glasses were filled with the ruby hues of Groot Constantia‘s Shiraz 2017, followed closely by our first appetizer for the afternoon, game carpaccio. A beautifully plated dish, it was an umami-inducing combination of smoked springbok, baby greens, salsa, marinated mushrooms and parmesan. Needless to say, between the delicately cured, almost creamy, springbok slices and the saltiness of the parmesan, it was a perfect match for the smooth tannins of the Shiraz.
Fried bobotie wonton parcels
I mean, let’s just linger here for a moment. If you could only try one item on the Simon’s menu, this should be it. Crispy, fragrant, warming and deliciously moreish, the fried bobotie wontons offer you the best possible combination of texture, aromatics and zing, tempering out into a mellow mouthful when paired with the Shiraz. Spice plus spice is never too much in this instance. A winning combination for idle snacking, whilst admiring the view.
Beef tagliata
Beef tagliataA third delicious plate arrived after a top up of our Shiraz glasses. I found the Groot Constantia Shiraz one that you crave to return to; every sip offering a new dimension, depending on the pairing. Particularly well suited to the hearty robustness of the Shiraz, the medium-rare slivers of sirloin lapped up the juicy black-fruit aromas of the wine. Lifted with a bright salad and more lashings of salty parmesan and a sticky balsamic reduction, it was one of the highlights of the balmy, Shiraz-soaked afternoon.
Braised pork belly
The grand finale came in a main course sized portion. A tender and generous square of pork belly, simply melting over a bed of mash with seasonal veg and hoisin sauce. Not forgetting the all-important crackling, there was plenty to go round on every plate. Deliciously dark, yet light and fragrant, we washed down the last smear of hoisin sauce with a mouthful of Shiraz. I’ve always been an advocate for pork and red wine, and this plate was exactly why.
We wound down our afternoon with another classic Shiraz companion; a deliciously large dark chocolate truffle, sprinkled with roasted nuts. There’s something so elegant about the amalgamation of dark chocolate and the lingering fruity follow-through of Shiraz – there’s some kind of chemistry that sparks brightly when the two finally meet. There was simply no better way to end the day than with such a full-mouth experience, celebrating the absolute shining of Shiraz. Except, of course, with a sneaky taste of Grand Constance, for which I’m always to be found!
In conclusion
Always a firm favourite in our wine racks, the Groot Constantia Shiraz 2017 tastes even better when enjoyed close to its roots. A must for every Shiraz lover and discerning foodie, a trip to Groot Constantia and Simon’s Restaurant to celebrate Shiraz day on 21 August 2021 is the best way to spend your time this month.
Whatever your taste, whatever tickles your tastebuds, Groot Constantia has something for everyone. So much more than just wine and food, it’s a lovely way to spend time with the family outdoors, whilst they enjoy the ample spaces of the estate. Let the hospitality of this wine estate and its people envelop you for a few hours, and celebrate a history steeped in Shiraz with them – they’d love to have you join!
Disclaimer: I was invited to this event in my personal capacity. There was no expectation for platform coverage in the form of a blog, or social media posts. This is my honest and truthful opinion and review thereof. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are solely those of The Little Hedonist, given in good faith and in no way influenced by the company or its affiliates. All images, unless otherwise stated/credited, are also my own.
The Little Hedonist endorses responsible drinking.
Don’t drink and drive. Not for persons under 18.
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