Hello,
Thank you for letting us in, here is this month's newsletter!
News
It's Not Rocket Science!
Its that time of the year again, re-inventing wine lists. So you’ve decided to change you're wine list in order to have it ready for the all important Diners Club Wine list of the Year Awards 2011 (South African Restaurants). In order to have a winning list - we speak from experience - its really not the quantity of the wines on the list, but more the relevance and quality of the wines selected together with the descriptions. A few tips: - make sure that the wine selected is relevant to the food menu (try to get the chef involved because two palates are far better than one!) Should you make use of descriptions, and then keep it short and simple - not all your guests are wine connoisseurs. Lastly, please (and we are bordering on begging) make sure that everything is spelled correctly! After all the boxes are checked and you are ready for printing but not quite sure if your list has what it takes then mail it to us and we will check it out give you sincere and constructive feedback! The entry pack for download is available on our site.
Wine Swirl
Stellenryck Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
In the words of Adam Strum, editor of Wine Enthusiast - " In its greatest expressions, Cabernet Sauvignon is ageable, complex, ever-evolving, its depth of flavour always revealing new facets. It will never cease to fascinate, never wear out its welcome"
If you follow us on Twitter @NikkiDumas, you would have seen some serious tweets about our favourite swirl for the last few weeks. This a such a gorgeous example of an aged South African wine which was matured in mostly new and second filled French oak with a small percentage of American oak. Not sure how many bottles are still available, but we will definitely put a dent in the worlds supply.
Style Pairing
After having the most delicious Cabernet Sauvignon we've decide to pair it with an Oven-cooked Hearty Beef and Carrot Stew!
"A rich, herby, gooey gravy makes this simple beef stew ideal for a family dinner on a chilly evening. It takes only 15 minutes to prepare, after which it's kicked into the oven and left to burble for a good three hours, or more."
We found this fabulous recipe prepared by Jane-Anne Hobbs Rayner who is a freelance journalist, editor, a cook and recipe developer. The full recipe can be found on her site www.scrumptious.co.za
Wine Tasting Journals
An exclusive and affordable wine tasting journal that fits in the palm of your hand. This journal is ideal for jotting down that remarkable vintage, keeping stock of what is in your cellar or creating wish lists. Our leather bound, hardcover journal is 9cm x 14cm which has printed cream pages and an elastic band closure. Elegantly designed to record your tasting including: - date of tasting, name of wine, vintage, varietals and region. There is a section to describe in detail on the clarity, bouquet, taste and finish of your memorable wine experience giving you many years of luxurious enjoyment. Buy now at our online shop.
Last Note
Many thanks to all our new and current subscribers!
Heaps of Swirls!
NIKKI DUMAS