Uncorking a bottle of Stellenbosch Hills Kastanjeberg Chenin Blanc 2020 is a celebration in all senses of the word – a celebration of terroir, of excellence, of true craftsmanship and of exceptional harvests. Introduction When an elegant bottle of Stellenbosch Hills’ newly released and limited Kastanjeberg Chenin Blanc 2020 landed at my door, I knew…
Tag: Food and wine pairing
{wine tasting} From Gouverneurs to liquid gold: chocolate and wine pairing at Groot Constantia
Every time I drive up the vineyard-laden lane to the heart of Groot Constantia, yet another bit of unexplored territory awaits me. This time, this historic estate lured me into its gracious embrace with a Chocolate and Wine pairing invitation. Introduction With hectares of unspoilt beauty and world-reknowned and significant architecture, a visit to Groot…
{wine} Together through collaboration: Boland Cellar’s new-look One Formation wines
With a foundation of strong underpinning ethics, Boland Cellar‘s One Formation range of wines are not just beautiful from the outside, but filled with pure collaborative goodness from vine to bottle. Introduction Eternally drawn to a beautiful label and the dark curves of a wine bottle, I received these two beauties from Boland Cellar with…
{news} Lovin’ dry Rosé? Choose Nederburg!
Refreshing, crisp and zippy with an invigorating dry taste, Nederburg’s Grenache Carignan Rosé 2020 takes South African blush wines to a new level of sophistication. Just the right choice to celebrate International Rosé Day on 25 June! No longer burdened with a perceived gender bias, rosé is enjoyed equally by men and women across the…
{wine} Deetlefs Wine Estate: three courses for three bottles – a celebratory meal
Over the years, Deetlefs Wine Estate has rightfully collected a vast amount of prime property in my ever-full wine racks. In the build-up towards their 200 years’ existence celebration in 2022, I thought I’d introduce you to a few of my favourites so long. Introduction My first meeting with Deetlefs was in the early throes…
{sparkling} Timed to perfection: 50 years of Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel
I feel quite sheepish to admit that I’ve never tasted Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel, the absolute alpha and omega of South African Cap Classique. Having said that, this gap in my internal wine library was recently filled by being invited to celebrate its 50th anniversary this year with two sparkling new releases. Introduction My wine career…
{wine}{recipe} Zandvliet’s Shiraz 2017 and a cheat’s sausage pie
When you combine my most beloved winelands district with my most beloved red wine varietal, you get the Zandvliet Shiraz 2017 from Robertson, a gratifyingly rich and complex wine. Add glassesful to a hearty ostrich sausage pie and you’ve unlocked the direct path to most people’s hearts. Introduction I’ve never been quiet about my love…
{wine} Glen Carlou wines delight from soil to glass
The joy of opening a great bottle of wine is doubled when shared. The more glasses filled, the more joy there is for everyone. And that is exactly what Glen Carlou‘s wines brought to our table – a feast of togetherness, delight and tangible excitement. Introduction My first encounter with Glen Carlou wines was at…
{wine} Thinking inside the box: Fleur du Cap’s bag-in-a-box Rosé
I’m all here for innovation, sustainability and accessibility in the wine industry. In fact, I prefer thinking inside the box, rather than out, just like premium wine brand Fleur du Cap. Introduction With a growing movement towards finding sustainable and eco-friendly ways of producing and packaging household items, the spillover into the wine and hospitality…
{wine} A table for two: Steenberg’s stylish 2020 Sauvignon Blancs
If I could only drink wine from one wine estate for the rest of my life, it would be a difficult decision, but a quick answer: Steenberg Vineyards. Especially now with Cellarmaster Elunda Basson setting her sights on producing award-winning top-tier Sauvignon Blancs, and unveiling her 2020 masterpieces in stylish new outfits. Introduction I’m completely…
{recipe} The simple pleasures: Cathedral Cellar wines and Mynhardt’s spiced harvest bread
If 2020 offered me any moments of retrospection, I’ve learned to slow down and return to the simple pleasures in life, as often as possible. I recently broke bread over the table with a couple of bottles of Cathedral Cellar Wines, and my homemade version of Chef Mynhardt‘s spiced harvest loaf. Introduction I received a…
{news} Take the chill off with Constantia Glen’s new winter warmer menu
With winter fast approaching, Constantia Glen has comfort food in abundance to combat the shorter days and cooler weather. Warm up to a selection of delicious homemade soups and more substantial dishes at their tasting room. Available as single servings or as a trio of smaller portions, visitors can indulge in Constantia Glen’s famous traditional Austrian beef goulash…