Wine Extra February 2012

WineExtra ISSUE 3 VOL 3 - FEBRUARY 2012

Wine Laid Bare 2012 Entry NOW open

WIN

2 Nights Stay at the Alluvia Wine Estate

Colin Moss Cape Town is to die for

Taste Team Feel the Love with Pink Bubblies

BIO-DIVERSITY

under the microscope

INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION

Official Media Partner

ISSUE 3 VOL 3 - FEBRUARY 2012

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Web Services: Tracey Van Niekerk / tracey@mutsami.co.za Advertising Sales: Vanessa Adendorff / vanessa@wineshow.co.za Advertising Sales Manager: Jolene Jordaan / jolene@wineshow.co.za Publishing Director: John Woodward / jw@pullthecork.co.za Subscribe online at www.wine-extra.co.za Official Media Partner: INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRIT COMPETITION The publishers regret they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader's particular circumstances. The ownership of all trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts not exceeding 100 words in total from any one issue to be used for the purpose of fair review.

Letter from the Editor Images: Mark Freeborough

I can't believe that we're already into the second month of this year. For most, January eased us into the new year quite gently, but for us here at Wine Extra HQ, 2012 started with a bang and we're proud to announce that we are the Official South African Media Partners of the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC).

The IWSC is renowned and respected around the world for its high standards of judging and has an impeccable reputation for being the best-regarded competition of its kind. We're looking forward to bringing you all of the news on this competition throughout the year with regards to the winners, judgings and exclusive tastings, starting with the recent tasting held at the Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl of some of the winning South African wines from the 2011 competition in this month's Livin' the Life column.

February is, of course, the month of love and the Taste Team get to sample a fun range of pink bubblies to give the romantics amongst us some ideas on what to buy for that special dinner.

I got to interview heart-throb actor Colin Moss who is known for his role in Isidingo and as presenter on various television and radio shows. He spills the beans on why he was compelled to move to Cape Town, watching himself die and car-surfing!

In the Special Report we explore bio-diversity in the vineyards. We also announce the official start of the 2012 Wine Laid Bare competition, where photographers and models alike can enter images portraying their spin on the theme for a chance to win a place in the 2013 Wine Laid Bare Calendar, which raises money for Breast Cancer Awareness.

So without any further ado, pour your glass of wine if you haven't already, sit back and enjoy the read.

The

Love wine, love life,

Wine Show JO’BURG - PE - DURBAN

www.wineshow.co.za

Follow us @WineExtra

CONTENTS 2012

FEBRUARY

Table Talk Special Report Exclusive Interview Competition Now You’re Cooking Living the Life

7 11 15 18 19 21

21. A Wine Media Partnership Like No Other

We’ve Been Drinking The Musings of Polly Fumé Taste Team Get Out Wine Laid Bare

25 26 27 33 38

15. Exclusive Interview with Colin Moss

!

N I W T T STAY A H G I N 2 A ATE WINE EST ALLUVIA R5500!

WORTH

11. Bio-diversity under the microscope

27. Feel the Love with Pink Bubblies

TABLE TALK

Meteorite Wine Unveiled In Chile

Astronomy buffs with a passion for wine, refresh your palates. This is certainly one bottle of red wine you haven't tasted.

Borrowed from an American collector, this particular meteorite crashed at the Atacama Desert about 6,000 years ago, according to Discovery News.

Aged with a 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, the world's first meteorite infused wine was created by a British winemaker and astronomer, The Drinks Business reports.

The one-of-a-kind vino is only available at his observatory, Centro Astronomico Tagua Tagua in Chile, but Hutcheon has plans to export the unique blend.

Dubbed Meteorito, Ian Hutcheon concocted the cosmic Cabernet Sauvignon from his very own mountain vineyard in the Cachapoal Valley, Chile, according to a report by Forbes.

Though this galactic vino is certainly impressive, it's not the only drink with an outer space twist. In 2008, an Australian brewing company launched a beer made from ingredients grown in space.

After the grapes were picked, the fruit fermented for 25 days before undergoing a year-long malolactic fermentation that allowed the meteorite to marinate in the wine.

(Story courtesy of: www.huffingtonpost.com)

The wine was later blended with another Cabernet Sauvignon.

"The idea behind submerging it in wine was to give everybody the opportunity to touch something from space," Hutchinson told The Drinks Business. "When you drink this wine, you are drinking elements from the birth of the solar system."

Page 7 - February 2012

The Best Wine for Any Cheese Griller Imagine a world without cheese - no pizza, no macaroni and cheese, no cheeseburgers, no cheesecake, no cheese melts. It would mean the disintegration of society as we know it! The end of the world! Possibly the complete implosion of the entire known universe!

Well, thankfully, the big oil companies have recently patented the process of “cheese fracking,” insuring that none of us will ever face a future sans cheese. And that means we can go merrily on pairing wine with our grilled cheese sandwiches.

And that, my cheese-fanatic friends, is a big relief.

American Cheese & White Bread: The classic.

Shouldn't be scoffed at, even by foodies, and never scoffed at by seven-year-olds, this version of grilled cheese pairs mighty well with a rich Chardonnay (the butter on the bread helps that along). Or give the grilled cheese to the seven-year-old and keep the Chardonnay for yourself. Either way.

Cheddar & Bacon: The cheddar ups the sharpness and earthiness of the cheese, and the bacon just makes the whole thing better (of course). Red is the way to go, but not too heavy.

Pinot Noir would be ideal, but any light- to medium-bodied red with reasonable acidity would work well such as a Merlot.

Gruyère & Caramelized Onions: This is an excellent grilled cheese option and the way to go wine-wise is Riesling. Off-dry, i.e. lightly sweet. If you simply can't stand the idea of lightly sweet Riesling, then feel free to open a dry one.

Robiola & Mortadella: The classic Italian cooked sausage with pistachios, cubes of tasty pork fat and black pepper, on toasted ciabatta, will transport you to Italy. Order a spicy Shiraz to go with this sandwich, or really any juicily flavourful, not-tootannic red - Barbera would be great, too. Story by Ray Isle courtesy of www.eatocracy.cnn.com)

TABLE TALK

Are you losing the booze in '12?

Science! Sometimes it tells us things that are terrifying, sad or disturbing, but today science is telling us to go ahead and keep drinking. Hurrah!

If you're anything like us (and Bacchus help you if you are), your Facebook and Twitter feeds were full of people eschewing alcohol for the month of January in an attempt to reset their liver and "detox" from holiday overconsumption. We're all for people doing whatever it takes to grasp control of their health and do what it takes to feel better.

Problem is, this particular is u s e l e s s according to doctors at the British Liver Trust.

According to a recent article in the Daily Mail, "the so-called 'Janopause' – w h e n drinkers cut out alcohol for only the first month of the year – is 'medically futile' and fails to rejuvenate the liver in the long term.�

The piece goes on to note that eliminating alcohol altogether tends to lead to excess imbibing in the following months which is pretty much antithetical to what you were trying to do in the first place.

So what's the solution? In England, news sources report that Prime Minister David Cameron is considering ordering officials to come up with a plan to institute a minimum price for alcohol in stores in order to curb consumption. Here in the Page 9 - February 2012

land of the free and home of the brave, government interference with alcohol access has never proven especially popular with its citizenry, so it's up to individual drinkers (and their doctors, loved ones and clergyfolk) to decide.

Our approach: pay attention to drinking from desire, rather than habit. Yes, you may often split a bottle of wine with a loved one, but a device like a vacuum wine saver will keep the remainder fresh for the next day or two. Half bottles offset the effect of t h e psychologi cal drive to finish the whole bottle a n d boxed wine, which allows for easy s i n g l e pours, has come into its own.

We ' v e a l s o t a k e n t o alternating cocktails with alcohol-free, but incredibly festive (and low-calorie) drinks like seltzer with just a splash of fruit juice and frozen fruit, or club soda with Rose's Lime Cordial and a slash of Tabasco sauce (which is much more delicious than it sounds).

No, we don't have to drink, but we like to drink and if it's done in moderation, hey - cheers to that. And to our friend, science.

(Story courtesy of http://eatocracy.cnn.com)

The Designer Wine Purse

Wine Diva carries a wide variety of wine purses in different colors and textures. You can find one to match almost any pair of shoes that you have. A wine purse is the perfect way to carry a bottle of wine with you to a restaurant or dinner party while still looking fashionable. (Carrying a brown paper bag, is definitely not chic!)

Each wine purse is lined on the inside with felt and has a strap to hold the wine in place.

Each wine purse also has a metal clasp to keep it closed along with a handle for easy carrying. Most of our wine purses (all except the vintage wine purse) also include a handy corkscrew inside them.

So just say no to boring paper bags and other unfashionable ways of carrying one. If you're getting dressed to go out, why spoil it with some cheesy tote. Go in style with one of their fashionable wine purses. Visit www.winedivashop.com/Wine_Purse_s to order yours.

SPECIAL REPORT

Bio-diversity in the Vineyard ith sustainability becoming the mantra of viticulture across the globe, broadspectrum pesticides have fallen out of favour in many vineyards. No one wants their kids' drinking water seasoned with diazinon and bad bugs tend to rebound and flourish when good bugs are killed off. Rather than killing them all and letting nature sort them out, today's vineyard managers are helping the good bugs do the dirty work for them.

W

wasps and minute pirate bugs are among the good bugs available from supplier insectaries. They can be purchased in various stages of development, from egg to larva to adult, and the same suppliers usually offer food and cover crop mixtures that vineyard managers can use to recruit and feed armies of good bugs to assure that they're around when the bad bugs make their seasonal appearance.

For every bad bug - mites, sharpshooters, leafhoppers or mealybugs - there's another bug that can be used successfully to control the pest population. Ladybugs, lacewings, predatory mites,

All of the wineries in the Constantia wine valley have signed up to grow their vineyards on the principle of implementing bio-diversity farming practices and have long championed the use of beneficial insects

Page 11 - February 2012

At Mellasat Vineyards we reckon we’re a bit different.

Which is why you’ll find a White Pinotage amongst our range of award winning wines.

to counter vine pests, and even adopted the ladybug as something of a mascot.

Vineyard pests come in many forms, from tiny leaf-hoppers to larger birds.

Winemakers and viticulturists are turning their focus towards encouraging a sustainable population of beneficial insects including lacewings, ladybugs, predatory wasps, thrips and insectivorous mites. Each year the beneficial insect population grows, helping us organically manage our vineyards.

Organic and bio-dynamic viticulture is growing in popularity in all of the South African wine-growing regions and the benefits are seen in both the quality of the berries as well as the overall flavour of the wine.

Vineyard pests come in many forms, from tiny leaf-hoppers to larger birds.

We encourage a sustainable population of beneficial insects including lacewings, ladybugs, predatory wasps, thrips and insectivorous mites. Each year the beneficial insect population grows, helping to manage vineyards organically.

And to make our wines more accessible we’ve opened a new tasting centre with stunning views of the Paarl valley and the craggy Klein Drakenstein mountains.

And not content to leave it at that you can experience grape stomping, vinotherapy foot massage, as well as gourmet food & wine pairings at our Ommiberg Festival on Sat 10thMarch.

Why not visit us?

Mellasat Vineyards Klein Drakenstein, Paarl Exit the N1 at J62A (Sonstraal Rd)

Open from Mon to Sat 9.30 am to 5.30pm Sunday 10 am to 4 pm Tel: 021 862 4525 mellasat@mweb.co.za WWW.MELLASAT.COM

SPECIAL REPORT

“Bio-diversity is something that is close to my heart as we can counteract the effects of mealybug in the vineyards without using harmful sprays and chemicals. This year I had a prime example, I was very concerned about one specific block which showed a high mealybug count. We focused on releasing a large amount of parasites into that particular block and within a week the count had almost halved”, says Constantia Valley winemaker André Rossouw from Constantia Uitsig where they have been growing their grapes bio-dynamically for the past 8 years.

He adds, “If you want to have top-quality wines that compete with our European counterparts, sadly we have to use some chemicals, but we do focus on using those that are less damaging to humans and nature. The aim is to focus on biodiverse viticulture techniques that allow for the minimum interference and 'friendlier' chemicals that cause the least amount of damage to the eco-system.”

Healthier living is at the foremost of all consumer forums, whether focusing on food, exercise or alcohol. People are becoming more aware of the dangers that chemicals and genetic modification holds to our overall health and it's a positive move by local farmers to embrace this, using nature the way it was intended.

To see whether the wine you're buying is made in a bio-dynamic way, look out for the IPW seal on the neck of the bottle.

Page 13 - February 2012

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

COLIN MOSS He’d ‘die’ for Cape Town Images: Mark Freeborough

Location: Eagle's Nest

orn in Jo'burg, actor and comic Colin was raised in Durban and considers himself to be a 'banana-boy' through and through. After studying music and drama he moved back to Johannesburg to live the poverty-stricken life of the struggling actor until he was cast as Stuart Buller in local soapie, Isidingo. He was so desperate to move to Cape Town that he requested the directors to kill off his character of which he says “It's quite disconcerting watching your own death on television.”

B

Are there any of the wine farms that stand out for you as favourites?

There are so many and I like different wine farms for different reasons. The picnic at Warwick is sublime, I've got some particular favourite wines, such as La Motte where I would always pop in to buy some if I'm in the area. I'm a total car-nut, so a visit to the Motor Museum at L'Ormarins is always a treat. I particularly like the little gems that you stumble upon with the most amazing wines that you wouldn't usually know about.

So, let's talk about wine!

One of the reasons I moved to Cape Town. I should clarify that I didn't move down here to drink more, although I probably do, but the lifestyle of Cape Town is very much wine focused and therefore is part of the overall reason.

Do you have some favourite wines?

Rupert and Rothschild Classiqe and L'Ormarins Ultima are both some of my all-time favourites. The Kanonkop Paul Sauer is always a winner and for an everyday drinking wine I always enjoy the Hartenberg Cabernet/Shiraz blend, but out of all cultivars, Shiraz would definitely be my first choice.

Page 15 - January 2012

Where did your love for wine stem from?

My love for wine really begins with me being a functional alcoholic. When I read in another magazine that not only can I drink wine every day, but it's specifically recommended that I do drink wine every day, well then who am I to argue with the experts?! [That's what I keep telling everyone too – Ed] It does actually go beyond that. I like the poetry and romanticism of wine as well as the effort which goes into the entire process of winemaking - from the vine being planted to the fruit being tended to and then what happens in the cellar, finally giving you the product which ends up in your glass. For me, winemaking is one of the fine arts of the human race.

If you were to label a bottle of wine as 'Colin Moss', what would be in that bottle?

It would definitely be a blend. I am so eclectic in my taste, so it would have to be something totally untraditional like mixing Shiraz with something odd like a Pontac and perhaps a touch of Viognier.

Have you ever done anything ridiculously silly after a particular winey day or evening?

Are you kidding me? My whole life is spent doing ridiculously silly things. OK, I once did carsurfing. This is something that no one should ever do because it's really dangerous. It's when you stand on top of a car while someone is driving and you see how fast you can go. I did this in Durban this time and my mate was driving about 100km/h at the time. Ideally you want to do it on a car with roof-racks as you can hook your feet in – it's a lifesaver. [I'd bet! – Ed]

If you were to try and seduce a lady, which wine would you open for her?

Well, it's got nothing to do with being romantic or anything as opposed to actually getting her to drink copious amounts of it. I would probably open something sweet and fruity that's easily quaffable.

What is the most expensive bottle of wine you've ever owned?

It was a 1982 Meerlust Rubicon, which was given to me as a gift. I drank it for one of my birthdays and it was superb. I like opening up a nice bottle of wine on a special occasion.

continue

The

Wine Show

Page 16 - February 2012

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Say you're out and about and get invited to an impromptu dinner at a friend's house, but don't have any wine to hand, what would you buy if you had to pop into the nearest supermarket?

I'd probably see if they stock the Hartenberg Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz, something from Fairview or the Fat Bastard Shiraz or else I'd run into &Union and pick up one of the more unusual wines they stock there and if I knew that we were having fish, I would go for the Haute Cabriere Pinot Noir/Chardonnay.

You can catch Colin in the award-winning play by th Neil LaBute, Fat Pig, from the 10 of April 2012 at the Theatre on the Square in Sandton.

What Colin had to say about the Eagle's Nest Shiraz: “A light shiraz with cognac and white pepper on the nose, dark berries on the palate and a gentle tannin finish.�

WIN WITH Alluvia Estate & Alluvia Spa

ANSWER THE TWO EASY QUESTIONS AND STAND A CHANCE TO

WIN A 2 NIGHT STAY AT ALLUVIA WORTH R 5500!

Specialist Winery and Private Residence Club Set on a working wine estate in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, on Glen Arum Road, Banhoek Valley, Helshoogte Pass, lays a unique cult wine producer called Alluvia Specialist Winery.

Alluvia's award winning wine estate and its luxury accommodation provides a match made in heaven…which we simply describe as “the vineyard lifestyle” Alluvia encapsulates the complete spirit of wine, our land blessed with tiny fertile alluvial deposits of Table Mountain Sandstone and Granite which gives us a perfect platform to produce world class wines of integrity.

Entries must be made on The Wine Extra facebook page.

ANSWER THESE SIMPLE QUESTIONS: 1.What does IWSC stand for?

2.Where is Alluvia wine estate located?

WineExtra

Competition closes on 29 February 2012 The winner will be announced on the Facebook group before the March issue of Wine Extra gets published.

Please read the competition rules on the facebook group before you enter.

NOW YOU’RE COOKING

Grégory Czarnecki Executive Chef at Waterkloof Wine Estate

Born and bred in Burgundy, Gregory Czarnecki's cooking style remains loyal to his French roots and the lessons learnt from his mentor, 3-star Michelin Chef Alain Senderens. He is committed to the fundamental basics of classic cooking methods and believes cooking is all about using six senses all at once, the last being that instinctive ability to create just the right flavour and texture combinations.

Tony Blair, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Paul McCartney and Woody Allen are but a few of the high profile personalities he has cooked for during his French tenure, which ended when he moved to South Africa in 2008. His international culinary career saw him working exclusively in the Parisian kitchens of Michelin rated restaurants, including the 2-star Restaurant Senderens; the 3-star Relais & Châteaux Restaurant Lucas Carton and the Michelin star Pergolèse.

“I draw inspiration from people who not only love good food and wine but also appreciate wine and food pairings. Guests who seek the best local seasonal produce to complement wine with a naturalist approach,” adds Grégory who shares his passion with his staff at Waterkloof to achieve the ultimate combination of textures, taste and flavour with each meal they serve.

Kingklip with curry sauce, coriander, mango & granny smith Ingredients to serve 4: • • • • • • • •

800g Kingklip cut into four portions ½ Mango ½ Granny smith apple 8 Sundried tomatoes 1 Red pepper comfit 120g Wild rice Garlic Thyme

• • • • • • • •

Bay leaf ½ Bunch of coriander 1 Onion Curry powder 1 Tin of coconut milk Salt Pepper Olive oil

Method: 1. Cook the wild rice in a casserole with a crushed clove of garlic, bay leaf and a bit of thyme.

2. Peel and chop the onion. Sweat it in a casserole with a bit of olive oil.

3. Once cooked, add the curry powder and continue cooking. Add the coconut milk and cook for another 30 min.

4. Strain and adjust flavour with salt and pepper.

5. Cut the mango into small cubes. Do the same with the granny smith apple, sun dried tomatoes and comfit red pepper.

6. Season the kingklip with salt and pepper.

7. Pan fry the pieces on the skin side in a very hot pan.

Wine Paring: Waterkloof Circle of Life 2010 Page 19 - February 2012

LIVIN’ THE LIFE!

A Wine Media Partnership Like No Other

By MARYNA STRACHAN Images: John Woodward

T

he International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs and Wine Extra has recently been named as their official South African media partner.

For the entire team at Wine Extra HQ, this is a rather big deal and we're so proud to be a part of this. The competition itself is well known amongst local producers and the more serious oenophiles Page 21 - February 2012

amongst us, but to the average South African consumer, remains fairly unknown. This is about to change.

With a list of past presidents that reads like a Victorian novel filled with Lords, Baronesses, Sirs and even Princes – yes the royal kind, we know we're in good company.

This year's president is none other than Mauricio González Gordon who has been raised in the drinks industry and was close to his family business,

González Byass S.A. from an early age. “Having won the trophy for Winemaker of the Year in 2010, I know how important these accolades are.

Commercially, it really makes a difference to have that kind of endorsement behind your brands, precisely because buyers and press around the world understand and value the quality standards set by the IWSC”, says González Gordon.

Like most other competitions, the marking system includes Gold, Silver and Bronze awards with the Trophy being awarded to the top wines. As of 2012 an 'Outstanding' award will be given to all products

The

Wine Show

LIVIN’ THE LIFE! recognized as such through their achievement of judging scores at the upper end of the Silver or Gold range.

On the 26th of January I attended an exclusive IWSC tasting at the Grande Roche in Paarl where a number of the winning South African wines and spirits were available for tasting along with a handful of their foreign counterparts. Some of the Trophy winners we could taste included: Spier Private Collection Chardonnay 2009, Kanu KCB Chenin Blanc 2007 and the Savanha Naledi Pinotage 2009.

Linley Schultz from Alvi's Drift

I also took the opportunity to chat to some of the local industry heavyweights about their views on the competition and what it would mean to producers and consumers alike to have this fantastic competition at the forefront.

Linley Schultz (Managing Director of Alvi's Drift wines) is very much of the opinion that the competition carries a lot of clout. “If you were to ask winemakers to define the IWSC competition, most of them would give an impressive description, however, sadly you could ask most of your consumers the same question and they wouldn't have even heard of it.”

“The value of this competition to the consumer is immense. For us as producers it is imperative to be a part of this and be recognized in the international wine arena where we can compete successfully against the best of the best. Having this sticker on one's bottle sets you aside from the rest and by creating awareness of the overall value to the consumer will definitely add to the marketing and prestige of our wines” says Spier Cellar Master, Frans Smit.

Maryna with Dave Hughes and Frances Horder Page 23 - February 2012

Frans Smit from Spier

Nederburg Cellar Master Razvan Macici agrees, “The IWSC is by far the most prestigious competition, allowing our wines to rub shoulders with the best in the world. I'm very glad that the competition has turned its focus to South Africa in this way, especially from a judging perspective as the local judges have a better understanding of the local terroir. With all of the other wine competitions around, this is the one sticker that really supports the producers and furnishes consumers with the knowledge that the particular wine has that extra edge.”

Since 2011, the judging of the South African entries has taken place locally. Competition organizers recognized the high costs involved in exporting entry wines abroad and with the wide array of wines submitted annually, they decided to start a local judging process. Since then, entries have increased significantly. IWSC Marketing Manager, David Kelly comments, “The increase in entries has been impressive and more than justifies the move.

Moreover, feedback from the trade has also been incredibly positive.”

The 2012 round of judging will once again be taking place at the Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl in July this year where there is sure to be a strong selection of producers competing for the coveted Dave Hughes Trophy for South African Producer of the Year 2012. I look forward to being at the forefront, bringing you the news quicker than it'll take you to pop a cork.

Razvan Macici from Nederburg

WE’VE BEEN DRINKING...

BLAAUWKLIPPEN Zinfandel 2006 This last month we've definitely been feeling a little 'zinful' here at Wine Extra HQ. Sure, the summer heatwave and shooting our promotional image for Wine Laid Bare have all played a small part, but the real culprits are those naughty people down the road at Blaauwklippen.

Blaauwklippen Vineyards are no stranger to the exotic (for SA anyway) Zinfandel cultivar.

They've been making wines from this variety since the late seventies. There's only a few other plantings we are aware of in South Africa. But the grape itself enjoys a colourful history. Around 10% of California's vineyards produce Zin. Known by its other name, Primivito, it is prominent in the Puglia region of Italy (in the “heel”). It was popular in Croatia, too.

So, if it's good, why so little of it here?

It's not the easiest of varietals to produce well (unless you want cheap/sweet/pink), but the real reason is probably fashion. In our rush to capture percentages of the world market post-apartheid (read: Europe or more so UK… the USA was still way off our radar for wine exports) there were simply easier and therefore more attractive wines and styles to go with. But fashion isn't always right in the long term.

If you are looking for wines to take you on an adventure, to help change the tune or take a little “vinous holiday” then look no further than Blaauwklippen. We've been nailing the classic red version of the cultivar. But, rather cleverly, Blaauwklippen have not only persevered with the cultivar, they've produced it in 3 fabulous styles. The “classic” red is meaty whilst soft and well mannered, full of distinct flavours that let you know this isn't a typical SA quality red. It's both fun and serious at the same time. The white is perfect for exploring at sunset to cool you down, and calibrate your palate for the evening.

Finally a Noble Late Harvest is the perfect dessert wine for those imaginative dinner parties with great friends and family. The Noble Late Harvest comes complete with a Michaelangelo 2010 “Most Innovative Wine” award to pin to its chest.

We've really enjoyed all 3 versions.

They're all fun and well made wines.

But, if we had to choose [Yes, choose!

There's only space for one photo – Ed] only one for this month's “We've Been Drinking” then it has to be the Zinfandel 2006, the red. Stick it in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving. It'll last for another 5 to 10 years, if kept carefully, so buy a full case of 12 bottles so there's some at hand for times to come.

Better still, why not a case of all 3?

What: Where: Cost: Web: Page 25 - February 2012

Blaauwklippen Zinfandel 2006, White Z 2009 & Noble Late Harvest Selected TOPS, PnP and Makro stores & restaurants Zinfandel 2006 - R90.00, White Z 2009 - R90.00 & NLH - R180.00 www.blaauwklippen.co.za

From the Laptop of Polly Fumé

E

very year I heave a sigh of relief at the end of January. Whatever my holiday activities may have been they usually leave a dent the size of a bus in my poor, abused credit card.

So for the last month I've mostly been hiding at home and entertaining out of my kitchen, while performing tactical raids on my local supermarkets for supplies. Perusing those wine-shelves always reminds me of my student days – all the old suspects that kept me company through booze-fueled parties: Bellingham, Drostdy Hof and Nederburg, to name a few. (So needless to say, I usually avoid it – I could use some of those labels to cure me of all desire to drink EVER by just sticking them to my fridge door.)

However, I've had a bit of fun over the last while experimenting with finding some new friends. The quality that can be found at a budget-friendly price these days is quite amazing (although it turns out that you still have to choose wisely to avoid waking up the next morning feeling like the same bus that got your card, reversed and finished the job.)

So here are some of my personal recommendations (I apologise if you've been there, done that and drunk your local dry already).

The Wolftrap - Red, white, it doesn't matter. If you don't know how good both of them are you've probably been hiding under a rock. The white is the Platter Super-Quaffer of the year (and one of my new faves) and the red delivers a smooth, rich experience for a price that's practically stealing it.

Waverly Hills Sauvignon Semillon - Recently recommended by the Taste Team this allows you to feel good about yourself in many ways: it's organic, it's affordable, it's great!

Ken Forrester Petit Pinotage (aka Woolworths What!

Pinotage) - Unwooded, with juicy fruit; nice and light and can be served chilled.

Follow me on Twitter @PollyFume

TASTE TEAM

Feel the Love with Pink Bubblies

Nothing says romance like a beautiful bunch of flowers, a stunning setting, sensual music in the background, great food and a fabulous bottle of pink bubbly. So, in the spirit of celebrating the day of dedication on all that is love, Cupid has selected a special variety of local bubblies to

tickle the Taste Team's romantic streak. This month's guest taster is no other than Noluthando, who many might recognise as one of our original team members. She's back in South Africa and gives us her opinion on the bubblies on offer.

MEET THE TEAM Our “Taste Team” are 5 wine lovers drawn from the members of our Facebook group and were all visitors to the Show. They’ve been selected to taste and rate wines every month. Most have no formal wine training, but know what they like and want to tell you all about the goodies!

Click on each team member’s picture to read more about them.

Ellen

Guest Reviewer Noluthando

Pieter

Robyn

Etienne The

Page 27 - February 2012

Wine Show

READ THESE COMPARATIVE REVIEWS ON OUR SELECTED WINES

TASTE TEAM

Feel the Love with Pink Bubblies

JC le Roux La Vallée Rosé

Pongracz Brut Rosé

Allee Bleue Brut Rosé 2010

RRP: R80

RRP: R80

RRP: R98

Available at: Pick 'n Pay, TOPS at Spar, Makro

Stockists: Pick 'n Pay, TOPS at Spar, Makro

Stockists: Directly from the estate

Quote: Noluthando – “It's sweet, delicious, and extremely easy to drink.”

Quote: Robyn – “…awesomely fun, but be careful unless you like your parties wild and legendary.”

Quote: Noluthando – “While I'm obviously not a fan of bubbly, I really think that this is the type of bubbly that could redeem bubblies for me.”

www.jcleroux.co.za

www.pongracz.co.za

www.alleebleue.com

Faint yeast and light fruit on the nose that's difficult to pinpoint, but unusual. Fruity palate with exuberant bubbles that simmers down after a while. Noticeable sugar, but still fair balance.

Not classic, but tasty – one to wean people off the simple carbonated sweet sparklers.

Subtle Pinot Noir nose with just a hint of lees. Not quite as bubbly as I've come to expect, with the lack of vigour negatively impacting freshness and balance. I remember this being a bit better...

Banana. Yes, banana. An unusually tropical nose, perhaps hinting to non-Champagne cultivars? Gentle bubbles in the mouth, with fair balance. Nice wine, as are all these, but I was pining for more extended lees contact.

Mmm… a sort of malty, almost savoury smell came out of my glass, making me breathe deep – a smell of comfort and pleasure, not classic, but delicious. A taste revealed a nearly off-dry bubbly, but very fruity with litchi and a sort of redcurrant tang. This was my surprise winner of the evening, delicious and very, very nice for the price; I'll be buying some more soon!

This Brut had impressively huge bubbles. A wiff of the glass was invitingly sharp, like a dangerous smile from just the right sort of wrong person. She's a member of an all-girl punk band, 'Strawberries and Razorblades' – awesomely fun, but be careful unless you like your parties wild and legendary.

I'm not a great lover of classic Brut 'Champagne', and I'm afraid the Allée was exactly the sort of bubbly I'd been fearing for most of the evening. A super-shy nose led into killer-attack levels of acidity.

Massively tart, with a smidge of fruit, the best word I could find is “tight”. Not my cup of tea at all, but fans of “refreshing” bubbly will adore it.

JC remains a crowd pleaser.

The fizz is prominent, without being overpowering. They're big and bold but certainly nowhere near brutish. The taste is that of sweet peaches with a raw metallic aftertaste but not unpleasantly so.

Think pink and pour carefully. The bubbles threaten violence as this one is poured. Some initial strawberries give way to a dry and yeasty palate that is quite acidic. Another DNF in the finishing department.

Somewhat of a surprise here.

Unexpected banana on the nose and strawberries on the palate.

Some yeastiness and acidity. The bubbles are evident and fit for celebration without trying to be the main feature. This wine certainly won't leave you wondering if it passed through a soda stream machine.

Pieter says...

Robyn says...

Etienne says...

READ THESE COMPARATIVE REVIEWS ON OUR SELECTED WINES

JC le Roux La Vallée Rosé

Pongracz Brut Rosé

Allee Bleue Brut Rosé 2010

RRP: R80

RRP: R80

RRP: R98

Available at: Pick 'n Pay, TOPS at Spar, Makro

Stockists: Pick 'n Pay, TOPS at Spar, Makro

Stockists: Directly from the estate

Quote: Noluthando – “It's sweet, delicious, and extremely easy to drink.”

Quote: Robyn – “…awesomely fun, but be careful unless you like your parties wild and legendary.”

Quote: Noluthando – “While I'm obviously not a fan of bubbly, I really think that this is the type of bubbly that could redeem bubblies for me.”

www.jcleroux.co.za

www.pongracz.co.za

www.alleebleue.com

The surprise of the evening!

Dark salmon in colour, the nose is yeasty and biscuity and smells like a serious wine. The flavour is fairly intense with good length and great balance. Beautifully dry and full of redcurrant juiciness, this is my favourite wine of the flight. Guess JC le Roux is not just for students after all!

Class pink fizz with lovely big bubbles. The medium-intense nose is full of summer fruits, slightly overripe. The palate is more grown-up than the playful nose suggests; in fact, if offered this in the dark (well we live in hope!) I'm not sure I'd know it was a rosé. Let down just a little bit by a lack of length, nevertheless this is one of my more highly rated wines of the flight.

Nice and pink with an appealing mousse, the nose is rather austere – what I like to describe as a 'straight line'. I detect banana. The palate, like the nose, is sharp, knife-like, but with rewarding complexity and luscious red fruit. Perhaps not sexy enough for Valentine's Day, but will go well with food. Just like me!

I would spend money on a bottle of JC Le Roux. The nose on this rose bubbly is extremely peachy, and I found that pleasant. I began looking forward to the palate and I was not disappointed. I loved this. It's sweet, delicious, and extremely easy to drink. For the more discerning consumer it might be a bit common, but for someone who's wine palate is not really evolved, this would be a good introduction to the world of pink bubbles.

I loved the colour in the glass and though I couldn't identify anything on the nose if my life depended on it, I just know that I really liked it. It really was extremely pleasant. There was a lot of fizz, and I don't mean that in the 'tickle my nose I like it' kind of way.

On the nose, a whiff of banana. I say a whiff because it was barely noticeable and easily missed. I like the balance that the Allée Bleue had – it was neither too sweet nor too acidic. In fact it is really rather pleasant. While I'm obviously not a fan of bubbly, I really think that this is the type of bubbly that could redeem bubblies for me. This was easy to quaff and while I might not rave about it, I won't knock it either.

Ellen says...

Guest Reviewer

Noluthando...

CONTINUE...

The

Wine Show

Page 30 - February 2012

READ THESE COMPARATIVE REVIEWS ON OUR SELECTED WINES

TASTE TEAM

Feel the Love with Pink Bubblies

Bottega Rosé Brut

Villiera Tradition Brut Rosé N/V

Pierre Jourdan Cuvée Belle Rose N/V

RRP: R85

RRP: R120

Stockists: Makro, Ultra Liquors, Picardi Rebel

Stockists: Makro, Ultra Liquors, Liquor City

RRP: R129 Stockists: Pick 'n Pay Quote: Robyn – “…started out like the shy girl at the party, but turned out to be the giggly blonde...”

Quote: Ellen – “I could happily swill a glass or two in the right company.”

Quote: Pieter – “…starts off giving an impression of sweetness, but finishes with a nice puckering dry twist.”

www.profumiditalia.co.za

www.villiera.com

www.cabriere.co.za

Shy nose with subtle fruit and some steeliness. The palate is balanced, with a measure of delicacy and elegance. A light and easy, but fairly good drinker.

Floral nose with Pinot Noir black cherries and sweets. Nice frothy mousse in the mouth and those dark cherries again on the backpalate. Not intensely fruity, but soft and easy like Sunday morning.

Slightly shy nose with curious whiffs of Fanta Grape, later morphing into cool berry fruits.

Fruity, but not very complex.

Vigorous bubble action in the mouth, with softish acidity. It weirdly starts off giving an impression of sweetness, but finishes with a nice puckering dry twist.

The Bottega started out like the shy girl at the party, but turned out to be the giggly blonde upon a proper introduction.

She's not exceedingly complex, and has a slightly sweet and not-too-tart disposition, but she's pretty likable. Oh, and summer is her favourite season, so invite her out around then.

The Tradition started our tasting on a promising note – one of biscuit and summer fruit.

However, upon tasting, there wasn't a whole lot to it. A slight tang of peach, a relatively low acidity, and an all-round deeply inoffensive nature left me feeling that this would be one best served with food to mask its lack of character.

A nice set of bubbles on this puppy paired with a pretty copper hue, and a fairly decent nose! However the taste of the current release is distinctly odd – like licking a metal door-plate – but in a way that kept making me sip it again and again, as if I couldn't believe what I was tasting, and found it just too curious to stop…

Salmon colour, I'm reminded of bioplus. The least bubbly of the bubblies tasted. The palate is reminiscent of what I imagine you'd get from rinsed pineapples – somewhat watery, no inspiration. I'd suggest you spray this one at a crowd, but the lack of bubbles may make that impossible.

A peachy colour, just. A hint of wine gums on the nose along with a slightly fermented smell.

The flavours tickling buds ended up on the longish side. In this case it isn't what you have, it's what you do with it that matters.

I was somewhat disappointed here. A nice straw colour had me expecting big things from this bubbly, more than just the exuberant display of fizz I got in the end. There's quite a heavy go at alcohol here. If you're looking for a get her drunk quickly drink, this is it. If she doesn't mind the taste of mouthwash that is.

Everything faded fast and not even the ballsy bubbles lasted.

Pieter says...

Robyn says...

Etienne says...

READ THESE COMPARATIVE REVIEWS ON OUR SELECTED WINES

Bottega Rosé Brut

Villiera Tradition Brut Rosé N/V

Pierre Jourdan Cuvée Belle Rose N/V

RRP: R85

RRP: R120

Stockists: Makro, Ultra Liquors, Picardi Rebel

Stockists: Makro, Ultra Liquors, Liquor City

RRP: R129 Stockists: Pick 'n Pay Quote: Robyn – “…started out like the shy girl at the party, but turned out to be the giggly blonde...”

Ellen says...

Guest Reviewer

Noluthando...

Quote: Ellen – “I could happily swill a glass or two in the right company.”

Quote: Pieter – “…starts off giving an impression of sweetness, but finishes with a nice puckering dry twist.”

www.profumiditalia.co.za

www.villiera.com

www.cabriere.co.za

This wine is a much redder shade of pink than the others in the flight, perfect for Valentine's Day! The nose is pleasing and reminds me of holidays in Bermuda drinking rum punch. No, I haven't lost it – those drinks were made with grenadine, which comes from pomegranate, which is what I get on the nose. In the mouth I get soft raspberry fruit and medium acidity – effortlessly quaffable, perfect for a pool party and a bit of smoked salmon paté.

Pink with orange hues and a mousse that doesn't hang around, the nose on this wine is rather one-dimensional, all pink sherbet and strawberry.

Dry with high acidity, the fruit found on the nose doesn't translate noticeably to the mouth and the back palate is 'unusual'. Despite the lacklustre mousse, this wine has a gassy quality to it. That said, my overall impression is quite favourable – I could happily swill a glass or two in the right company.

A lovely coppery colour, it smells grapey, like Welch's grape jelly, with hints of hops (is that to appeal to the guys maybe?). The palate is dry and rustic. There is a slight metallic taste to it, like biting one's tongue. Perhaps I should bite my tongue now rather than relate the rest of my impressions.

A disappointment from a name I generally revere.

If I were to pick a favourite from this line-up, this would be it. Not that I like it far more than all the others, but simply because I disliked it the least.

The colour was beautiful and gave me hope of better things to come. Alas, it was a hope in vain, beginning with nothing on the nose and moving along to a mouldy aftertaste via a slightly sweet palate and a hint of tropical fruit.

This looked so lovely in the glass and had a really gorgeous colour.

That's about it as far as the positives go, as the nose was rather bland and boring. In fact, the nose reminded me of a really light beer, strangely enough. As for the palate – all I can say is meno-likey. Just like the nose, the palate was also rather unremarkable, except for the bitterness in the aftertaste. I certainly had a lot to say about that!

Perhaps bubbly just is not for me, because once more I found this bland. The nose was extremely light, to the point of non-existence with maybe the barest hint of the ghost of a grape to remind one that there was actually something in the glass. On the palate, I tasted a whole lot of nothing.

There were a lot of bubbles though so maybe that would compensate for lack of anything else?

The

Wine Show

Page 32 - February 2012

GET OUT

Cape Town Fall in Love with Waterkloof Riesling Rocks at Hartenberg Head down to Hartenberg Wine Estate on Saturday, 11 February 2012, and enjoy some of the finest flagship Weisser/Rhine Rieslings from top cellars paired with superb deli fare at the inaugural Riesling Rocks festival. Besides Hartenberg's own standout Riesling, other iconic cellars will also be showcasing their cellar gems, including Deetlefs Estate, Howard Booysen, Jordan, De Wetshof, Klein Constantia, Paul Cluver, Thelema and Groote Post. Chefs from various restaurants, bistros and cafĂŠs will bring foods to life to entice palates and complement this exceptional cultivar. Start rocking your Riesling from 12:00 until 17:00.

Tickets cost R120 per person, including a wine glass and are available either directly from Hartenberg Estate or online at www.webtickets.co.za. For more information call 021-865 2541 or email info@hartenbergestate.com.

Want Prince Charming to sweep you off your feet this Valentine's Day? Then look no further than Waterkloof Estate complete with white horses amidst its vines, where an exclusive six course dinner, fit for a fairy tale, will woo the senses on Tuesday, 14 February. Enticing those with a taste for romance and the finer things in life, Chef Gregory Czarnecki's exquisite Degustation Menu comprises six contemporary dishes each served with a matching wine. The Valentine's dinner at Waterkloof costs R550 per person which includes all the wines on the evening or R450 per person excluding the wine pairings and each guest will be welcomed with a complimentary flute of Cap Classique on arrival. Bookings are essential. To reserve your table call 021-858 1491 or send an email to restaurant@waterkloofwines.co.za.

Long Table of Friends at Bistro Sixteen82 Steenberg's cellar door restaurant will celebrate Valentine's Day on Tuesday, 14 February with a quirky event to create a refreshing twist to this day of celebration - traditionally reserved for romantic couples only. Chef Brad Ball will present a Tapas Long Table of Friends to cater for single guests and their friends, to seat a total of 20 diners at two sittings (17:30 and 18:30). This relaxed, early-evening rendezvous of great conversation and gourmet cuisine in a glorious vineyards setting is offered at R200 per person, including a glass of Steenberg 1682 'bubbly'. Bookings for the Valentine's Day Tapas Long Table of Friends should be made in advance, by phoning 021-713 2211 or email Reservations@bistro1682.co.za.

Page 33 - February 2012

DO GOOD FEEL GOOD The Grier family of Villiera are environmentally responsible producers of award winning Cap Classique sparkling wines.

Solar Powered

www.villiera.com

Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18. Enjoy Responsibly

a concept from Anthony Lane

FIZZYTHERAPY

GET OUT

Valentine's Day Feasts at Mont Rochelle A delicious 3-Course Valentine's Day Dinner Menu (R280 per person) will be on offer from Tuesday 14 February until Sunday 19 February, in the seductive setting of award-winning fine dining restaurant Mange Tout, with its wraparound views of the valley. At the more informal Country Kitchen, a choice of tasty temptations will be available from a special Valentine's Day Menu (R180 per person), available for lunch or dinner on 14 February, and also for lunch until 19 February. Here couples may revel in an intimate dining experience on the sunny garden terrace, and toast their love with a glass of one of Mont Rochelle's own fine wines. Known as one of the Western Cape's top dining destinations, Mont Rochelle offers a multi-sensory experience in a magical vineyards setting, making it the ideal choice for a romantic occasion of any kind.

Booking is essential for Valentine's Day events at both restaurants by phoning 021-876 2770 or email info@montrochelle.co.za.

Themed Tastings at Steenberg On Wednesday 22 February Steenberg's Cellar Door Manager Lida van Heerden will present a Sensory Tasting journey that engages all the senses, bringing the magic of wine to life in a completely new way. Among others, the ritual of clinking glasses, engaging the sense of hearing, will be explored; and the sense of touch will be kindled in the vineyard.

Participation is R100 per person and bookings are essential. Email Lida van Heerden at lida@steenbrg.co.za or call 021-713 2211.

Constantia Fresh Festival The third annual Constantia Fresh festival once again explores the distinctiveness and freshness of the 'wild white' grape, Sauvignon Blanc, while examining the red Blends of Constantia and spoiling fine diners at the region's best restaurant, Cellars Hohenort.

The first event kicks off on the 24th of February where Jörg Pfützner of Fine Wine Events will host a fine wine tasting focusing on onstantia's finest Reds in the company of some excellent and sought after international versions. The tasting will affirm the notion that the wines of Constantia can hold their own amongst the finest in the world. Wines from Château Leoville Barton, Vina Sena, Lokoya, Dominus, and J. L. Chave, Rostaing will mingle happily with those from Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Eagles Nest, all showing their varied styles but also their unmissable quality. Tickets to attend this tasting are on sale at R1,500 per person.

The Greenhouse Restaurant, CellarsHohenort Hotel, Friday evening, 24th February 2011 is the next venue for the festival's Fine Dining Event. Fine Wine Events will put forward some of the finest white, red and sweet wines Constantia and Bordeaux have to offer.

Welcomed with a selection of Constantia's Méthode Cap Classiques, guests will be given a welcome address by Peter Tempelhoff, recently awarded the status of Grand Chef at the Relais and Châteaux congress in Lisbon. Tempelhoff will prepare a five course degustation menu for 12 local and international wines featured at this dinner. Guests can expect to drink wines such as the Steenberg Magna Carta, Château Lascombes, Château L'Eglise Clinet , Château Leoville Barton Grand Constance and Vin de Constance alongside The Greenhouse's culinary creations for the evening. Seats at the dinner are limited due to the intimate nature of The Greenhouse restaurant. Tickets to attend this dinner are on sale at R1,500 per person. th Saturday 25 February's big event will have wine enthusiasts wandering about the lawns of Buitenverwachting sampling South Africa's finest Sauvignon Blancs paired with canapés made by South Africa's best chefs. An elegantly constructed braai will take place in the early evening where Constantia's red wines will be served. Tickets to this tasting are on sale at R400 per person.

Tickets to these events can be bought at the participating local and regional wine farms or from www.webtickets.co.za. For further information, please visit www.constantiafresh.com of contact Fine Wine Events on enjoy@finewineevents.co.za.

The Veuve Clicquot 2012 Masters Polo The most glamorous event on the South African Polo calendar, is set to take place on Saturday 25th February 2012 at Val de Vie Estate outside Cape Town. The 2012 event will be bigger in size than 2011, drawing in crowds who will dress to impress for a stylish day out. Some great entertainment is also in store. Guests are invited to get teams ready for the PĂŠtanque Boules tournament on the grass, and be dazzled by the internationally acclaimed act Good Luck who will be headlining the musical entertainment for the day. This year also welcomes an 'Equus Lounge' after party ensuring the polo revelers will dance the night away. Equus is well known for their luxurious hospitality offerings at SA's top racing and polo events. Set in the midst of Val de Vie's worldclass polo fields and luxurious clubhouse facilities, VIP guests can expect a glamorous day of fine champagne. Tickets to attend the event are available at from R400 per person.

Hands-on Harvest in Robertson With harvest time around the corner, it is time to make plans to head out to the Robertson Wine Valley to experience the 'magic of harvest'. Given the success of the previous events, the Valley's fourth Hands-On Harvest is a festival not to be missed! This year's HandsOn Harvest will be taking place from Friday, 24 until Sunday, 26 February 2012, and this boutique fun-filled family event promises to offer a wide variety of activities including harvesting your own grapes, take a breakfast boat trip, do a horseback trail wine-tasting, stroll through the market and enjoy a spit braai or the bountiful harvest dinner and much more.

As some of the wineries participating in 'HandsOn Harvest' are not ordinarily open to the public, the focus will be on hosting a series of intimate events. This ensures that guests enjoy the best, most personalised and 'hands-on' experiences. All bookings to be made direct with participating wineries by no later than 22 February.

Visit the web-based regional brochure at www.robertsonwinevalley.com or contact Elizma Spangenberg on 023-626 3167.

Italia in Campagna at Da Capo Vineyards Open to the public for the first time on 25 and 26 February. Join the Italian community to celebrate the grape harvest Italian-style and weekend of fun-filled activities for the whole family. Enjoy a country lunch of Italian food prepared by 4 restaurants, try Italian varietal wines made in the Cape and compare them with Italian wines from all over Italy, meet visiting wine producers from Italy, experience the bustle of the Italian country goods market where salumi, formaggi, olives, gelato, grappa and prosecco will be on offer until 3pm. Try grape picking and stomping, listen and dance to sounds of Italian music, 5-a-side calcetto, bocce competition with plenty of kids entertainment included. A special Italian food and wine pairing evening featuring a serving of typical regional dishes, accompanied by a talk and tasting of wines and hosted by the visiting Italian producers from that region, is being offered for lovers of Italian fare on Saturday evening 25th Feb from 18:00. Tickets range from R50-R175 per person and are limited, so be sure to book at www.webtickets.co.za to avoid disappointment or visit www.idiom.co.za for more information.

CONTINUE...

Page 36 - February 2012

GET OUT

Tapas Sundays at Holden Manz Chill out on Sundays amidst the Franschhoek vines and live la dolce vita with tapas, wine and lounge music at Holden Manz. Laze on the vibrant cellar terrace every Sunday from 11:0017:00 until the end of March for a wide selection of tapas dishes. Better still, start with tapas and stay for a more substantial lunch at the Franschhoek Kitchen, the Holden Manz signature restaurant situated above the cellar.

The tapas menu changes weekly and includes all the favourite classics. From patés, risotto balls, crispy squid and artisanal cheeses to a double shot of watermelon gazpacho and are priced between R20 and R40. With house music creating just the right chilled out vibe, this is the perfect summer escape to laze away your Sundays. For Sunday Tapas or bookings at the Franschhoek Restaurant, call 021-8762729, email wayne@holdenmanz.com or visit www.holdenmanz.com.

Weintaufe Harvest Celebration at Eikendal On Sunday, 4 March 2012 Eikendal Estate pays homage to 31 years of quality winemaking.

Eikendal is known for its Chardonnay and, after the 2012 Chardonnay harvest is baptised, visitors will get to taste the first wine of the 2012 harvest straight from the barrel. Included in the day's festivities are tastings, live music entertainment, craft stalls, lucky draws, vineyard tractor rides, fly fishing, barrel stomping, pony rides and loads of kiddies entertainment. The day kicks off at 10:00 until 16:00 and tickets cost R60 per person with free entry for kids under 12. For more info call 021855 1422 or email info@eikendal.co.za.

Celebrate a month of romance at J.C. Le Roux Let J.C. Le Roux add extra sparkle and romance to your February with their luscious new food and rosé sparkling wine pairing in honour of Valentine's Day. Enjoy a “Love of Rosé” tasting of all three their Rosés to suit all palates during the entire month of February. Held in the newly opened, ultra-chic La Fleurette Room, the pairing will be a real treat for fashionistas aspiring to live Le Good Life. The pairings will be available for the whole month of February and will cost R35 per person. To reserve your table or for information on cellar tours and tastings, call 021-865 8200 or visit www.jcleroux.co.za.

Page 37 - February 2012

TO ANNOUNCE YOUR WINE RELATED EVENTS HERE, PLEASE CONTACT US WITH THE DETAILS AT: info@wine-extra.co.za

WINE LAID BARE

Dare to Bare?

The Wine Show's charity photo-competition in aid of breast cancer charities, “Wine Laid Bare” is back for its fourth sizzling and sexy year!

Last years competition saw well over 140 individual entries and those participating had their talent showcased across a broad spectrum of printed and electronic media. 12 lucky winners were also showcased in a 2012 Calendar that was sold (again to raise further money for breast cancer) at The Wine Show.

Amateur and Professional photographers alike are invited to submit their photographic interpretations of the theme “Wine Laid Bare”.

Whilst almost all of the entries to date have featured those “daring to bare”, entrants can interpret the theme however they choose. All we ask is that no nipples or “front bottoms” appear in the photos.

Bums are OK. The 12 best entries then feature in next years Calendar (2013).

The 2012 round, to feature in the 2013 Calendar, opens on February 9th 2012. The competition closes on March 30th 2012 at midnight. The 2013 Calendar will be available for sale at The Wine Show Jo'burg, May 4th to 6th 2012 at the Coca-Cola Dome th as well as The Wine Show Port Elizabeth, June 8 to th 10 2012 and by emailing wlb@wineshow.co.za.

To Enter you must first register by emailing samantha@wineshow.co.za . You will be assigned an entry number and provided with banking details for the R50 entrance fee per photo entered (proceeds to cansa.org.za).

A gallery of last years entries can be viewed at: http://www.wineextra.co.za/htm/wlb_2011_entry.html For full details, rules and links to the Wine Laid Bare facebook group visit: http://www.wineextra.co.za/htm/dare_to_bare.html Good Luck and have fun shooting!

The

Page 39 - February 2012

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