The 25th of May is International Chardonnay Day and The President Hotel made sure we were able to experience the sensational array of flavours that Waterford Estate had to offer on the day. A scenic trip through Sea Point led us to our destination in Bantry Bay. We were greeted by the hotel’s Sommelier, Job, at the Botany Café with a friendly smile and a welcome warmer than the sun filtrating through the hotel windows.

A scenic trip through Sea Point led us to our destination in Bantry Bay. We were greeted by the hotel’s Sommelier, Job, at the Botany Café with a friendly smile and a welcome warmer than the sun filtrating through the hotel windows.

Getting into the swing ofInternational Chardonnay Day, Job introduced us to the two variations we’d be tasting, the 2014 and 2015 Waterford Estate Chardonnay. We began with the 2014 – a smooth, rich, vanilla spiced white wine, with a full-bodied character you wouldn’t expect. Lavish in stone fruit, the 2014 Chardonnay flaunts a slightly crisper citrus flavour that lingers on the palate for a little while.

The second Chardonnay we tasted, a 2015 vintage, was fruitier than the last. A fragrant bouquet of fresh, crispy fruit and a hint of woodiness first teases the tongue, ending with a zesty, elegant finish that had us returning for a second sip almost immediately. The 2015 Waterford Chardonnay boasts an easy drinking texture and flavour, perfect for a warm sunset by the pool side.

Wine tasing at the Botany Cafe
Wine tasting poolside at the Botany Café

What is wine without a few delicious canapés to compliment your tasting journey? The President Hotel felt the same way, so they treated us to more than enough servings of divine canapés of absolute fine dining quality. We were spoilt for choice as the Botany Café brought out trays of salmon and caviar cakes, crisp balls of slow roasted melt-in-your-mouth lamb, mini veggie spring rolls, chicken curry pastry pies and of course a delectable dessert of chocolate mousse topped with peanut butter, raspberries and gooseberries. We struggled to finish it all. (Not really).

The President Hotel's canapé pairing dishes
The Botany Cafe’s canapé pairing dishes

Book an evening of fine wine, dining and breath taking views of the Atlantic at Botany Café and celebrate Chardonnay Day any other day of the year you like.

OF NOTE
Where
4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay
Contact +27 21 434 8111, [email protected]

 

Photography Nikki Louw

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