#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Constantia Glen

It's definitely one of my favourite #WineRoutingWithLloyd stops. The combination of the view, the wine, the food & the company at Constantia Glen is always a winner. Last time I sat down for lunch with winemaker Justin van Wyk was in May 2019, & it really just feels like yesterday.

This Heritage Day, Constantia Glen is pulling out all the stops. You'll be in for a treat - indulge in a South African Braai platter whilst listening to some local live music, (live music, currently weather dependent). A rather generous platter for 2 - lamb straight of the spit, boerewors, braai-broodjies, pap poppers with cheese & peppadews, Chakalaka, mixed salad & olives, for only R360.

With the weather taking a turn for the better & that feeling of Spring in the air, good food needs good wine. On my recent visit, I tasted some of the latest offerings & I can reassure you that it would all make a good combination. (Especially the red Bordeaux varietal blends - Constantia Glen THREE (2017) & the Constantia Glen FIVE (2018)).

A premium offering of wines at it's best. The THREE - a blend of 3 Bordeaux varietals; Merlot, Malbec & Cabernet Sauvignon. A dark red that unwinds into a lighter & more lively garnet colour in the glass. On the nose there's a distinct hint of ripe red & black fruits mixed with a touch of savoury elements. Whilst on the palate those ripe fruits follow with a velvety mouthfeel & with some minerality to linger just long enough until that next sip. 

The FIVE - bright aromas of plums, black currant & touches of dried herbs followed by tender savoury notes & just a slight hint of violets. The Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot & Malbec makes for a great food wine, especially for Heritage Day. A powerful & structured palate that follows well from the nose & finishes with a lingering freshness.

All the other popular cheese & charcuterie platters & menu items are naturally available - the Trout Rosti is fresh & full of flavour. A delightful mix of textures that accompany the wines so well. 

I'd highly recommend to make that reservation, as space is limited with current level 3 lockdown restrictions. 

#WineRoutingWithLloyd is driven by the #KiaPegas

Debut of Cellarmaster Elunda Basson's 1st Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc

As South African's we love a good Sauvignon Blanc, & soon you'll be able to fill your glasses with Cellarmaster - Elunda Basson's very first Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc, in a new style, that expresses its timeless elegance with a new refined look. 

Elunda joined Steenberg back in June 2019, & has since then set her sights on securing Steenberg's place a producer of Top Tier Sauvignon Blanc. "With the 2020 vintage, I am finally able to share my 1st Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc sporting a brand new elegant look." says Elunda. The Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2020 & the Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2019 are the 1st to make their debut with the new labels. Still giving prominence to the iconic Steenberg swan whilst reflecting quality, elegance & esteem. The new packaging will be extended further into the range later in the year. 

Steenberg has always been synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc that offers great complexity and individual expressions of the farm's unique place in the Constantia Valley.

The Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Embracing beautiful qualities of a Constantia Sauvignon Blanc with a bouquet of Cape gooseberries, nettles, capsicum & white blossoms. A cool-climate wine, that lends itself to soft yet lively entry & giving it an enduring length. On the palate; citrus zest & elderflower, with a distinctive lingering minerality. 

At a recommended selling price of R145.00 - ready to drink now & for another year or 2. Serve it with fresh summer salads or seafood. 

The Steenberg Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc 2019

A textured & multi-layered, lightly wooded wine with a rich & alluring mouthfeel, thanks to the fermentation of some of the wine in French Oak & Concrete Egg-shaped vessels. Cape gooseberries & fresh asparagus on the nose, accompanied by hints of capsicum and lime. An elegant & creamy wine with a hint of acidity, finishing off with that distinctive lingering minerality.

A recommended selling price of R170.00 - ready to drink now & I'd even stock up and keep a few bottles for 3-4 more years. Serve this with fresh seafood or a creamy pasta.  Both wines are slightly more on the pricey side of the list, but most definitely worth it.

Check out www.steenbergfarm.com online.
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