“Wine.co.za is arguably the largest database of South African wines and
wineries – we have the resources and the information to help you get
fully immersed into all things wine.” If there’s anyone with the
expertise to talk about this country’s extensive wine production, it’s
Shante Hutton. In addition to providing advice on varietals and
vintages, the website includes an exhaustive directory and an online
shop that offers free delivery within the country.
Old world, new world
Shante explains that, “South Africa is one
of the few places in the world to have numerous wine-growing regions
with varied weather conditions and soil types, meaning that we can offer
the same grape but in many different styles, from the cool climates of
the Cederberg to the warmth of the Stellenbosch valley. We can offer
wines from vines that are over 80 years old… it makes SA the most
irresistible wine nation out there.”
Despite being blessed with all the natural
resources imaginable, South Africa’s vintages haven’t always been as
highly prized as they are now. Discussing the traditional hierarchy of
Old World and New World wines, Shante says “South Africa has, in the
past, been noted as a New World wine region, even though the first
harvest took place in 1659. The title was more about the style in which
we made our wines – big, juicy, full and brimming with fruit. This
contrasted with the more subtle, age-worthy wines of Europe meant that
we were often overlooked.”
Thankfully for oenophiles everywhere, this
is definitely no longer true. Shante quotes Tim Atkin, a top UK wine
expert who declared last year that “South Africa is currently one of the
most exciting and dynamic wine-producing countries in the world. Old
vines, pioneering winemakers and regions both new and rediscovered: the
Cape has it all.”
Dinner and drinks
The best way to enjoy a fine glass of wine
is with an equally fine meal, and Shante has plenty of advice for diners
nervous about picking out pairings. “It’s best to remember that the
best way to pair wine and food that won’t ruin either one for you is to
match the weight of your chosen dish with the weight of a wine. What I
mean by this is that, if you have a juicy steak with a creamy mushroom
sauce slathered over it, you can get away with either a Cabernet
Sauvignon or a rich Chardonnay. Similarly, if you’ve chosen a seared
tuna steak dish, you could have a light Pinot Noir which will love the
grilled, meaty components of the tuna. Think about the sauce on the dish
or the flavor that has the most ‘oomph’.”
Something new
Your visit to our Radisson Blu Hotel Sandton, Johannesburg provides
the perfect opportunity to educate your palate, within easy reach of
top vineyards. Shante declares “2015 is the year of unusual wine
varieties – it’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone,” so
whether you go for a Method Cap Classique or try something new and
quirky, just remember to follow her heartfelt advice: “keep it local and
lekker.”
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