#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

Top 5 Red Wines for Heritage Day

So it's almost Heritage Day! And knowing most South African's this is just another excuse to have a braai. (Well, at least in my house, I never need an excuse to put some lamb chops or a steak on the flames)

And if I'm not having a cold beer, I'm definitely opening a bottle of red wine to enjoy. So I decided to have a quick share of my Top 5 Red Wine picks for this Heritage Day - 24 September 2020, that I'd look at adding to my shopping list this week. 

Sharing them in no real order. Alphabetically always works well, but to be different here they are from Z to A.

1. La Motte - 2018 Millennium (Franschhoek)

An exceptional wine, resulting from a harvest that was smaller than anticipated, yet yielding grapes with distinct flavours. The various varietals - Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot & Malbec; were all matured separately for 12 months in oak barrels. On the nose - ripe red raspberries & creamy toffee with a complement of slight herbaceous & earthy aromas. Always lovely when what you smell carries through onto the palate when tasting. Flavours of blueberries develop as the wine lingers & the acidity keeps the wine fresh the whole way through. 

Paired with Rump Steak & a Creamy Mushroom Sauce.

2. Four Cousins - 2019 Collection Cabernet Sauvignon (Robertson)

The youngest on the list, but most definitely ready to drink. Cabernet Sauvignon; globally, being the biggest selling wine, brings a smooth dark chocolate & mocha aroma to the nose. Whilst dark ripe blackcurrant flavours develop on the palate. Again, it's ready to drink - a nice silky smooth finish & mouth-feel. 

Paired with everything Shisa Nyama, (Especially the lamb chops)

3. Ernie Els - 2017 Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon (Stellenbosch)

One of those real Stellenbosch Cab Sauv's. Ripe red fruits - berries, strawberries & cherries initially hit the nose, followed by slight cigar notes & then a touch of freshness. Some tight tannins on the palate accompanied by black & red fruits, with a touch of liquorice that comes through nice & soft. A beautiful wine with some serious aging potential. 

Paired with a Pepper Crusted Fillet.

4. Creation - 2018 Syrah Grenache (Walker Bay)

A magnificent dark purple in the glass. But when the light touches it just right, you'll see flashes of deep crimson. A 75% Syrah & 25% Grenache blend that gives you a nose of ripe black olives that are complemented by a some white pepper. On the palate, leaning towards a very well full-bodied blend that has intense flavours of ripe plums, spices & an elegant smokiness that adds some mystery. The acidity is just right & is going to give you fantastic aging ability on this bottle.

Paired with Steak (with some extra fat) & Curried Beans.

5. Blaauwklippen - 2017 De Blaauwe Klip (Stellenbosch)

A Bordeaux blend for the books. The 5 varietals are harvested from 9 Blaauwklippen sites & knowing the aging takes place in oak barrels lets you know you're in for a treat. Enticing notes of dark plums & warm dark chocolate pudding fill your glass whilst hinting at a bit of a cigar box. A surprisingly vibrant palate, that lends itself to smooth, velvety texture. Something between a full & medium bodied wine for me, but has a beautiful lasting aftertaste. Another bottle that will do well being kept for a few years. 

Paired with the Malva Pudding for Dessert.

What's on your braai this Heritage Day? And more importantly, what will you be pairing it with?