Good intentions

As with all great intentions, writing this blog has become somewhat secondary to everything else that's going on at the Van Pepper HQ.

So, time for a quick update...

Van Pepper Wines has the great privilege of organising Lovane's Wine Trivia Evenings starting 25 April 2009. Our winemaker/ trivia-master is none other than Mr Sauvignon Blanc himself, Hermanuspieterfontein's Bartho Eksteen. To say that I'm excited about this event is the understatement of the year. Can't wait. Love Bartho, love his wife (who I was priviledge to have dinner with on a recent trip to the city of whales), and love love love his wine!
Die Martha 2005 will be paired on the evening with Gail Gous's cuisine. We still have places available, but book soon to avoid disappointment!


Women of Wines is doing so well. We're fully booked for the next event at Asara, no quicker than 24 hours after the invites were sent out! The women of wines were treating to a stunning night at Villiera, with Celesté and Marí spoiling us with culinary delights. We're looking forward to an extra-ordinary night at Asara on the 30th of April!!

I was also very fortunate to attend the Lagnes (improv comedy) and Gourmet Burger evening at Alto recently. The guys of Lagnes are a scream! Haven't laughed so much in ages. Got re-acquianted with an old friend of mine as well, she goes by the name of Rouge. And this foxy lady is a bargain at R55 a bottle!

Those of you who follow me on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/mariskaza) would know I declared my undying love to Rust & Vrede's restaurant a while ago. Christo and Nick treated us to an unforgettable evening. The food and wines were exquisite, and the company, as always, fa-bu-lous!. If you have something special to celebrate, do yourself a favour, do it in style, and do it at Rust & Vrede!

Events to look forward to this month:
- Jazz it up at Jordan
- Wines of Hermanus and the Overberg Region Wine Festival

Mariska's list of wines to buy for Autumn
- Kaapzicht Shiraz 2005
- Villiera Chenin Blanc 2007
- Asara Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Van Pepper Wines wine tasting 2: 20081009

After our very successful first wine tasting, I was really looking forward to the second one.
Our theme was: Food and wine pairing and the brief was to bring a bottle of wine and a bite-sized snack to go with the wine.
Attendees: Elna, Mariska, Van, Erina, Sarah, James, Wayne, Charlotte, Swo and Hendrik.
We were fortunate to have three winemakers, three foodies and four wine enthusiasts around the table.

Warwick Sauvignon Blanc 2008 and Salmon & Avo sushi
(Sauvignon Blanc | 13.2% Alc)
The first pairing was the Warwick Sauvignon Blanc 2008 with salmon and avo california rolls. This was our only white wine for the evening, and it went down a treat! There was a definite taste of guava, some tropical undertones and the acidity more pronounced after the sushi.
The ginger, according to Charlotte provides a spicy freshness and the oily fish cuts with the acidity nicely. We had two contrasting opinions from the winemakers' sides: one said the freshness of the Sauv Blanc went away after the sushi, the other said the freshness seems to come back. Fascinating how people's palates differ, hey.
www.warwickwines.com

Cirrus Syrah 2006 and Biltong
(Syrah 94%, Viognier 6% | 15% Alc)
Let me just start off by saying: If anyone is wondering what to buy me for Christmas, look no further! I think if the Cirrus Syrah were a man, I'd be married by now!
The rest of the guests really enjoyed this one as well.
According to the Cirrus website: This wine was matured for 18 months in a combination of new French and American Oak 300 litre barrels and is made in a typical Rhone style.
The wine has a romantic, dark appearance and I loved the hints of vanilla and chocolate shining through. After the biltong, the wine's spiciness became more apparent and Erina also picked up on the vanilla. James gave this wine a 5/5!! Gotta be good, hey Jimbo.
www.cirruswines.com

Rust en Vrede Estate 2004 and meat balls
(58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Shiraz, 13% Merlot | 14.94% Alc)
We were so spoilt by Sarah and James bringing this exquisite bottle of wine, wow! This wine was paired with some spicy meatballs accompanied by Peppedew and a pepper dip. The meatballs enhanced the spiciness of the wine and here are some of the flavours we picked up on: peachy, cinnamon, cherry, marmite, liquorice.

www.rustenvrede.com

After the bold, beautiful reds, we were treated to some dessert wines...

Asara Noble Late Harvest with Digestive biscuits, blue cheese and preserved figs
Just writing down this combination makes my mouth water! What a superb pairing and what a lovely dessert wine.
www.asara.co.za

Kanu Kia-Ora 2004 with cheese and crackers
(93% Chenin Blanc, 7% Harslevelu | 12.28%)
This NLH has lot of depth and honey characteristics. Not everyone is crazy about sweeter wines, but if you have to drink it, this is definitely an option!
Partner with Pâté de foie gras; Stilton and Roquefort cheese; lemon meringue pie; crème caramel; tiramisu; gratinated summer fruit napped in zabaglione; baklava; or simply on its own after dinner!
www.kanu.co.za