wine news
Exclusive, tantalising, seductive, Sauvignons; now that's a concept I like!
The press release: Wine Concepts will host their 10th exclusive Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon Festival at The Vineyard Hotel and Spa in August and at The Fire and Ice Hotel in September.Cape Town: The Vineyard Hotel and Spa, Colinton Road, Newlands,
Date: Friday 31 August 2012 Time: 17h00 – 21h00
Johannesburg: Protea Hotel Fire and Ice, Melrose Arch
Date: Thursday 13th September 2012 Time: 17h00 – 21h00
Treat your taste buds to a tantalising selection of just two varieties! This popular annual festival gives wine lovers the opportunity to taste recently released Sauvignon Blancs and current Cabernet Sauvignons. For those who prefer to savour older vintages, there will be a range of these bewitching wines on offer as well. Tempting and tantalising hot and cold finger food will be served with the wine throughout the evening.
All the showcased wines will be available for purchase at special prices from Wine Concepts on the evening.
Cost: R130.00 per person – includes tasting of all wines on show, souvenir wine glass and light snacks. Ample parking available at both venues.
Tickets can be purchased at www.webtickets.co.zaor at any of the Wine Concepts branches, telephone Newlands at (021) 671 9030 or Kloof Street at (021) 426-4401 to book. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
For more information contact corlien@wineconcepts.co.za
If you need an excuse to leave work early, here it is... and you could always offer to get the boss a case or two as the tasting room will close for four months as of the end of July.
The press release: The House of J.C. Le Roux, South Africa’s first cellar dedicated entirely to the art of making sparkling wine, offers a sophisticated choice for discerning palates with itsgraceful flagship, Scintilla 2003.
Only produced in exceptional vintages, this signature Method Cap Classique is luxuriously smooth and well-balanced with an elegant, dry palate and an explosion of scintillating bubbles that will uplift any occasion.
J.C. Le Roux Scintilla 2003 is the ideal companion for those who know how to live Le Good Life. A classic blend of Chardonnay (75%) and Pinot noir (25%), the wine spent an unbelievable seven years on the lees, resulting in rich layers of complexity and flavours with a superior, smooth character.
“This outstanding signature J.C. Le Roux Cap Classique has a brilliant golden colour, displaying a rich fruitiness on the nose with integrated baked bread flavours, and will benefit from additional bottle maturation,” says cellarmaster Elunda Basson, who recommends enjoying this stylish wine with juicy braised Karoo lamb shank or tantalising salmon bruschetta.
Looking more sophisticated than ever with an elegant new look, J.C. Le Roux Scintilla 2003 is available at boutique wine shops and restaurants, selling for R150 at the cellar door.
For more information, visit www.jcleroux.co.za or www.facebook.com/HouseofJCLeRoux.
If you've left buying a ticket to the Franschhoek Bastille marquee (or the tres cool VIP marquee) a little late, all is not lost...
The press release: Inspired by Franschhoek’s cross-cultural SA-French heritage, Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa’s Executive Chef, Oliver Cattermole, will be presenting culinary savoir faire during this year’s annual Bastille Festival celebrations from July 14-15.
Having recently evolved the culinary direction of Le Franschhoek’s Dish restaurant (and taking the stage at this year’s Good Food & Wine show), Oliver is embracing the festivities by offering visitors a choice of local produce and French-inspired plates.
All of this is in keeping with the SA-French Seasons 2012-2013, an exciting collaboration between France and South Africa where a multifaceted bilateral agreement sees the two countries uniting through arts and culture.
In his use of locally sourced produce, Oliver will be preparing Salmon California Rolls for visitors to enjoy while exploring the attractions while, if traditional cuisine is what you are looking for, the chef extraordinaire’s spinach and feta quiche will add Gallic flavour to your culinary journey. Fudge squares in the colours of the French flag, meanwhile, will be a must for anyone with a patriotic sweet-tooth.
Capturing the essence of five star luxury, Le Franschhoek represents the most romantic of Cape Wineland retreat-style resorts. Leisure facilities include an award-winning Camelot Spa, tennis court and a large, sparkling pool, while offering a gastronomic feast under the direction of Executive Chef Oliver Cattermole at the hotel’s two restaurants which include the elegant Dish Restaurant and the outdoor Le Verger, a restaurant set within an orchard.
Dish Restaurant at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa – open for dinner. For more information contact 021-876-8900 or go to www.lefranschhoek.co.za.
Don't miss Caroline’s Red Wine Review, one of the more important events on the South African wine calendar.
From the press release: Caroline’s Red Wine Review is a showcase of 60 wineries that have consistently achieved the highest accolades in all the top competitive platforms. Each of the selected wineries is invited to show just one wine for tasting by the public. This must be their flagship wine, and it will be shown by the winemaker personally. One can engage with them and learn, in an organised yet informal atmosphere in the ballroom.
The annual event is to be held on Wednesday 25th July 2012, at The Westin Grand Arabella Quays, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town. Time: 17h00 until 21h00.
Tickets @ R150 are available exclusively at Computicket, online ( www.computicket.com) or at their outlets in major centres. Bookings now open!