Miguel Chan, Group sommelier for Tsogo Sun Hotel Group, is this year’s host of the TOPS at SPAR Wine Show’s exclusive Café Cru Sparkling Wine Bar, taking place at new venue, Montecasino in Johannesburg between the 25th – 27th May 2017.
Miguel is hailed a guru amongst his peers. His accolades continually earn him the respect of wine connoisseurs and producers from all over the world, making his presence at this year’s show one not to be missed. Having trained in Mauritius, he has worked in South Africa since 2003 and has since built an extraordinary reputation as being one of South Africa’s top sommeliers.
Having trained and worked at a number of leading international hotels with his current role at Tsogo Sun, Miguel is responsible for developing and creating once in a lifetime wine experiences for guests in the group’s hotels nationwide. As for accolades, he was awarded as South African Young Sommelier of the year in 2007 by the Chaines des Rôtisseurs. He has also judged for numerous publications, competitions and awards shows including Platter, Absa Top 10 Pinotage, Nederburg Auction, Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show and South African Airways On Board selections.
Miguel’s induction into the world of wine is a fascinating story. It was always a big part of his life growing up in balmy Mauritius. Having been raised speaking French in a wine-loving family, words like Beaujolais and Bordeaux were the norm. But it wasn’t until graduating from hotel school in 1998 when he was 21 years old, that a visit to South Africa and seeing a vineyard in Franschhoek for the first time, sealed his fate.
Being actively involved in people’s everyday experiences with wine and their evolving palates, Miguel has a very good idea as to what everyone is drinking at the moment and what is trending. His list includes:
- Darling Cellars Cinful Cinsault; a charming, juicy and fruity light red perfect for the South African weather, even better chilled.
- D’Aria Pop Song Sauvignon Blanc 2016 sparkling wine from Durbanville; a zesty, fresh and vibrant offering, perfect anytime.
- The juicy Dorrance Blanc from Dorrance Wines; a delicious Chenin Blanc and Viognier blend that’s exceptionally well-priced and perfect for the autumn weather.
As for what Miguel enjoys drinking when he is not tasting or judging and simply relaxing in his home? If it’s bubbly, he is a big fan of Blanc de Blancs Champagne. He prefers the slightly more aged version, as one would refer to as the “Gout Anglaise” or British taste. As for wine his weakness is a Pinot Noir, both as a red and as a sparkling wine. He describes this wine as the most captivating, intellectual and engaging of all varieties. For a white wine he is torn between Chardonnay and sleek Rieslings.
With wine comes food, and Miguel’s palate for exquisite and sometimes unusual food pairings are notable. He believes piping hot French fries with grated parmesan and Champagne is a match made in heaven. Unusual but definitely worth a try. Otherwise, there is nothing more traditional and delicious than an icy cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc with an oozing cheese board and crusty baguette. Whatever you fancy, Miguel encourages people to drink their favourite wines with what they like to eat. So if it’s a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with a plate of freshly shucked oysters, go for it.
At this year’s TOPS at SPAR Wine Show, Miguel Chan fans are in for a treat at the Café Cru Sparkling Wine Bar. Not only will he be there in person to suggest, pour and entertain enquiring wine enthusiasts, he also invites everyone with a taste for bubbly to join him in an interactive wine theatre session to find out what the fizz is all about. For more go to www.thewineshow.com.