Quick 6 for #CapClassiqueDay

A quick pick of 6 Cap Classique's that are up for drinking this #CapClassiqueDay - 1 September 2021!

This year, we are celebrating 50 years of Cap Classique! From modest beginnings to becoming one of SA's leading wine sectors.

It was only in 1971 when Frans Malan, owner of Simonsig Estate in Stellenbosch, from that harvest made the 1st natural bottle fermented sparkling wine in SA using Chenin Blanc. It was in 1973 that the first Cap Classique was released "Kaapse Vonkel" by Simonsig. Today there are over 250 SA producers in the Cape winelands that have a Cap Classique under their label. 

Moving from Chenin Blanc, nowadays - majority of Cap Classiques are made using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier, and range from 12 to 60 or more months lees contact.

My quick pick - (In no specific order.)

1. JC Le Roux Brut
Not something that you would easily find, JC Le Roux now only produce the Scintilla Cap Classique, which is just an interesting bottle from this producer that is more well known for producing Sparkling Wines. 

2. Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir Brut

A firm favourite that never disappoints - there is always a bottle or 3 in my house; you know - just in case you get that urge for a glass on a Wednesday eve. Fresh, crisp & full of flavour with a beautiful lingering aftertaste. 

3. Krone 2016 Kaaimansgat Blanc De Blancs

Something I recently tried - I must say, the Chardonnay grown in Kaaimansgat proves that the terroir plays a big role in the development of the unique characteristics of the varietal. A big yes for this one from me. 

4. L'Ormanrins 2013 Blanc De Blancs

Perfectly paired with fresh Luderitz oysters on a hot summer day! Always on point and refreshing. 

5. La Motte 2013 Vintage

This baby holds a special place in my heart & it's really where my love for bubbly developed. Unique flavours & aroma's alongside a texture like no other. 

6. Wildekrans 2016 Brut Rosé

The wild card in the pack. Rose petals & strawberries, with a creamy finish & fine mousse. A delightful candy floss finish. 

There are so many more options to choose from, so best you make a move & pop a bottle of bubbly in celebration of 50 years. Share your #CapClassiqueDay moment with us on social media. 

Dinner for the #MetroMan @ Metro

#DineJoziStyleMetro

We recently got the opportunity to visit Metro Restaurant & Lounge at their new location after relocating to Grosvenor Crossing in Bryanston, Johannesburg, as part of the #DineJoziStyle experience.

On arrival we had been shown to a private dining area by Kosta Kosmas (owner of Metro) in the restaurant, with candle light adding to the ambiance. Where my wine of choice for the evening was a 2014 Wildekrans - Cabernet Franc Merlot. A South African Bordeaux styled blend, which was perfectly paired with my main meal, the Honey & Orange basted Goat (as featured below). I would say this is a great wine to be enjoyed with venison or a tender cut of beef.

Starters: Greek Salad, Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken Liver, Grilled Haloumi, Chorizo, Sticky Chicken Wings & Fillet Kebab.

Main Meal: Goat with a Honey & Orange glaze, served with maize rice & roasted beetroot. At first I was unsure about what I would be having for my main meal, but then I opted for something that I would generally not make at home for myself. And that is when the Goat dish sort of was a given choice. The thing you need to know about Goat is that it is very much just like having lamb and has a very similar taste. However the Goat is considered to be 'Game' and is a bit more on the tough side, so don't expect a very soft & tender piece of meat. Don't get me wrong, it was wonderfully cooked and perfectly seasoned. I think that the chef was maybe a bit generous on the helping of sauce served on the meal, as there was a bit much for my liking. My personal preference is to have sauce served in a separate side dish, but that is just me. Tasting notes on the sauce: what a great combination of citrus & honey. It really goes very well with the goat.

Dessert: Lindt Bomb Bons, Baobab Cheesecake, Tiramisu, Malva Pudding, Chocolate Brownies with Vanilla Ice Cream.

For those of you, who know me, will know that I just love bubbly and no night out with friends around a dinner table would be complete without it.

Notes on the desserts: You simply must have one of the Lindt Bomb Bons. They are simply delicious. A Lindt chocolate ball that is wrapped in phyllo pastry and baked in the oven for about 35 seconds results in a molten chocolate delight wrapped in a crisp pastry.

Metro Restaurant & Lounge will most definitely be seeing me again.