Local restaurateurs enjoy sparkling evening
An infrequent opportunity recently arose for local restaurateurs to sit down themselves, to relax, eat, drink and be merry at a tasting and pairing of food and some of the best wines on offer by national winemaker, Distell.
Distell’s in-house winemaster, Chris de Klerk, travelled all the way from Johannesburg to introduce a choice
of its outstanding Plaisir de Merle Estate wines at a gourmet dinner put together at Habana 64 at Bagdad outside White River.
The evening commenced on a high note with Plesir de Merle Grand Brut Methode Cap Classiques. It was served with chilled oysters drizzled with lime and tobacco and sprinkled with pomegranate. The bottles were opened the traditional way; sabering or sabrage, as the French say.
At the 2017 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), the 2014 vintage of the Plaisir de Merle Grand Brut won gold as the most outstanding bottle-fermented wine in the world, competing with all the great French names.
ALSO READ: Pumas play golf in aid of PCA
South African sparkling wines are made in the traditional French method (methode champenoise), referred to as Methode Cap Classiques or MCCs. Wine that has been impregnated with CO2 bubbles is simply termed “sparkling wine” whereas MCCs undergo a second fermentation in the bottle to create the sought-after bubbles.
Trading at less than half the price of its well established French rivals; the likes of Dom Perignon, Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot; this is currently the best buy any lover of good champagne can dream of.
The rest of the menu was just as impressive, with a salmon starter served with a wooded Plaisir de Merle Chardonnay, followed by an excellent rack of lamb plated still somewhat pink on the bone together with a Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Plaisir de Merle Merlot was complimented with platter of cheese and preserves, followed by a baked chocolate fondant paired with Nederburg’s Noble Late Harvest.
This was indeed a meal to remember and a rare opportunity to experience and enjoy. Though not their regular fare, Habana 64 caters for every need on request, said restaurateur John Davis.
ALSO READ: Care Buddies spoil the elderly at their Christmas function
