The festive season is upon us...
For many, this is a stressful time - as we all want to impress the family with mouthwatering dishes and unforgettable wines - that's a lot of pressure!
Well, I'm happy to alleviate a bit of that stress by introducing you to Sense of Place by Stellenbosch Hills...and why not add in a delicious pavlova recipe by celebrated foodie Ilse van der Merwe aka The Food Fox to pair with the bubbly!
The Sense of Place range comprises three wines: an exceptional red, white and Cap Classique.
“This year, for the first time, we’ll all hopefully be able to take a break without fear of last-minute cancellation,” says Ilse. “Goodness knows, we can do with a little time with those close to us; to enjoy time around a table; and, to treat each other. This is the rare quality we all pursue, like these wines - a sense of place.”
The range is made exclusively from the best individual vineyard components at the winemakers’ disposal and is made with the focus on showcasing the quality of the terroir to which the winery has access. As such, quantity is limited by what the vineyard provides and the quality of the growing season.
The latest vintages of the Sense of Place range:
Kastanjeberg 2021 – a wooded, single vineyard Chenin Blanc. The wine is rich and complex, displaying sublime aromas of stone fruit, honey, dried apricots, violets and vanilla oak spice. The palate is full, balanced by creamy texture and crisp acidity, and characterised by notes of pear and peach with hints of vanilla and almonds. Only 2 700 bottles of the wine are available.
Suikerboschrand Cape Blend 2017 - a voluptuous red, with abundant aromas of ripe berry fruit, dark chocolate and cedar wood. The choice of barrels is reflected in this beautiful wine and supports its structure. Elegant tannins linger in the finish along with a hint of fresh spice.
Anna Christina Cap Classique 2020 - made entirely from Chardonnay. Enticingly elegant, it shows fresh Granny Smith apples and citrus blossoms with a nutty yeastiness on the nose. Crisp acidity tingles the well-balanced palate while a delicate mousse delivers a satisfying, mouth-filling explosion of bubbles with every sip. Just 3 000 bottles were made.
It is the Cap Classique that inspired The Food Fox recipe of a pavlova wreath for Stellenbosch Hills.
“To me, pavlova is one of the best summer desserts. It’s light, always popular and can be decorated to be the showpiece of your table. The dry Anna Christina Cap Classique is an ideal partner for fresh seasonal berries like strawberries and cherries. It brings balance with the fruit and the sweetness of the meringue.”
For the recipe click here:
Sense of Place wines are available at selected leading wine specialists and restaurants around the country as well as from Stellenbosch Hills’ online store.
For more information about Stellenbosch Hills, visit www.stellenbosch-hills.co.za
Stellenbosch Hills is located at the intersection of the R310 and Vlottenburg Road, just outside Stellenbosch. It is open Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00; and, Saturdays: 10:00-15:00; and, closed on public holidays.
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