August 2017 food & wine pairing

This wine, for that dish

So much wine, so little time. Here are some standout wines to try this August, paired with delicious recipes from our magazine.

Merwida Family Vintners Chenin Blanc 2016, R120

This wine pays homage to ‘Oupa’ Pierre van der Merwe, who was a third-generation vintner at Merwida, and grandfather of the current generation of proprietors, Schalk and Pierre jnr. This is the winery first premium ‘estate’ wine—with the grapes coming from a block of 15-year-old chenin blanc. On entry there’s a slightly floral note, tinged with orange rind, and lemon zest followed by pear and peach. The fruit continues on the rich, full-bodied palate, seasoned with some oak spice.

Pair with: Sweetcorn, coconut and turmeric soup with paprika-fried prawns

WIN: “We are changing the image of the Breedekloof Wine Valley and we can only do that by producing wines that showcase this valley’s unique terroir,” says Lieza van der Merwe, a sixth-generation vintner at Merwida. “Amazing things are happening this side of the mountain.” Taste for yourself with this chance to win a three-pack of Merwida Family Vintners Chenin Blanc 2016, valued at R360. Complete the entry form below to enter. 

Creation Syrah Grenache 2016, R190

Silky and elegant this Rhône-style blend from Creation in the upper ridge of the Hemel-en-Aarde is a departure from the norm. The wine opens up with savoury notes of black olive and ground blackpepper, with a slight violet note (hinting at the grenache in the blend). This leads to a juicy palate of ripe plums, which sings with umami-like tapenade flavours.

Pair with: Springbok fillet under the stars

The Eleanor Chardonnay 2015, R325

The Eleanor Chardonnay from Hartenberg’s super premium range of wines pays tribute to the matriarch of the Finalyson family who, with her husband Maurice, owned the farm (then known as Montagne) from 1948 to 1977. The scent of elderflowers draws you in, with roasted nuts and vanilla flavours. The mouthfeel is full and lush, with a slightly savoury finish. It’s powerful yet elegant.

Pair with: Roasted wild mushroom and parsley risotto

Plum Pudding Hill Syrah 2012, R185

Named for the Plum Pudding Hill Syrah vineyard, which is almost 30 years old, this wine is as enticing as it sounds.  Fruit-forward, the nose makes you think of sticky punnets of mulberries and blackberries, there are sweet, earthy notes of prune too. There’s an element of graphite, which leads onto the full-bodied palate, offering plenty of red fruit and spice, such as white pepper and cloves.  Delightful, supple tannins.

Pair with: Farida’s chicken curry

Steenberg Ruby Rosé 2017, R86

An attractive copper-pink this rosé is an almost equal parts blend of syrah and cinsault. This wine calls up summer days with its aromas of watermelon and toffee apple. Juicy raspberries and strawberries come together on the creamy palate, with a zippy, zesty finish.

Pair with: Anjum Anand’s five-seed potato salad

Written by Malu Lambert, food and wine writer.

WIN!

win a three-pack of Merwida Family Vintners Chenin Blanc 2016, valued at R360. To enter, simply complete the entry form below. Competition ends 31 August 2017. Terms and conditions apply.

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