What to Drink:
Neethlingshof Malbec
Neethingshof is quite an iconic winery in Stellenbosch with its prominent fountain and long drive lined with tall evergreens. De Wet Viljoen is the cellarmaster and has been making award-winning wines for many years and whilst I love the history behind their Short Story range, perhaps what should garner more acclaim is the affordability and over deliverance on flavour of their premium range, especially the Malbec. It's a cultivar that is notably celebrated in Argentina and can often be overtly gamey and gutsy but Neethlingshof offer a rich, plump and berry-full version with soft tannins. It will be perfect with beef burgers (black bean and lentil burgers if you're vegetarian) or drunk beside a fire.
Saronsberg Full Circle 2013
I recently read an article about the types of wine writers there are in the world and though I'm loathe to admit it, I'm a gusher (fullsome hyperbole, lover of lists, proclaiming the delights of wine constantly) and I'm going to live up to my name when I talk about the works of Dewaldt Heyns. Honestly, I'm not big on Shiraz, its flavour profile isn't appreciated by my palate - spice, black/white pepper - which is why, when I tried Saronsberg Shiraz for the first time last year (fruity, rich), I bought cases and believe Mr Heyns could make me love Chamomile tea (I use that as an example because it tastes disgusting and ungodly). I digress.
Saronsberg don't just offer single Shiraz, Mr Heyns also makes a blend called Full Circle and I was invited to do a 10 year vintage tasting of this beauty. Each year was marvellously unique but my heart belonged to the fruit of the 2013. When you next see a Saronsberg wine, buy it. BUY IT ALL.
Special mention: Glen Carlou Cabernet Franc - The Curator’s range is very special but the Cabernet Franc is deserving of a crown for its tomato leaf and cassis aromas.
Where to Eat:
Il Leone
Neethlingshof did a wine tasting here and I think it's one of Cape Town's best Italian restaurants. There's passion in that place and a touch of the dramatic. It’s located on the same road as Beluga so just keep walking/driving, you’ll be glad you stopped by.
The dish that will convert any Noakes follower is the Linguine Portofino;
garlic, pine nuts, basil, roasted tomatoes and prawns. Divine.
What to Do
Wade Bales Wine and Whisky Affair
One of my favourite wine events is coming up on the 8th May, Wade Bales Wine
and Whisky Affair at 15 on Orange; the space creates the
perfect ambience for a unique and memorable experience and I love sending my
partner off to delve into the whiskies whilst I sip my way around the wines - each is hand selected to ensure that a ultra-premium product
is experienced.
Tickets are R180pp and it's a must. You can see more details here