The unveiling of rare bottlings of Sense of Place wines is a fitting reason for a lavish lunch with Stellenbosch Hills at The Fat Butcher in Stellenbosch.
Think Saldanha Bay oysters on the stoep and a luxurious 2020 Sense of Place Anna Christina MCC in hand. The perfect arrangement for a summertime experience spent under the trees.
Guests are treated to a taste of history with rare wines on offer. The Suikerboschrand Cape Blend and Anna Christina Cap Classique have been made available by Stellenbosch Hills, which has been around since 1945 and bottling wines since 1972, albeit under the Vlottenburg brand.
Sense of Place Anna Christina MCC
The Sense of Place Anna Christina is made solely from Stellenbosch Chardonnay, making it a true reflection of its provenance. After 15 months on the lees, expect aromas of fresh apples, citrus blossoms and nutty yeastiness.
The MCC is named after the eldest daughter of wine pioneer Antonie Vlotman, the first wine farmer in the Vlottenberg area, home to Stellenbosch Hills. The fruit is from a single block of Chardonnay in Stellenbosch Kloof that is cooled by ocean breezes. This slows the ripening and allows intense flavours to develop.
After sipping pretty on the stoep, head inside for the tastiest lunch by The Fat Butcher, accompanied by the grape, of course.
Start with the Kastanjeberg Chenin Blanc 2020, named for the wild chestnut. A complex wine, there are aromas of stone fruit and vanilla oak spice. It offers a mid palate and a creamy texture.
Again, the fruit comes from a single vineyard, this time from the Kastanjeberg Farm in Stellenbosch Kloof. Only 4 000 bottles were produced.
The Kastanjeberg Chenin Blanc pairs beautifully with mussels, the freshest of fresh burrata and steak tartare proclaimed superlative.
Sense of Place Suikerboschrand Cape Blend
The dazzling Sense of Place Suikerboschrand Cape Blend 2017, from Stellenbosch Kloof, is fitting for the main event. Dominated by Pinotage (40%) with Shiraz (30%), and 15% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it is an intense crimson and is described as a voluptuous and complex, with an abundance of ripe berry fruits, dark chocolate and cigar box aromas.
All components were vinified separately and the wine was fermented and aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 24 months.
Pair it with a feast of lamb – skaapstertjies, lamb rump and T-bone chops and you can’t go wrong. It goes equally well with the vegetarian offering of porcini risotto, making the fresh black Italian truffle pop.
Muscat de Hambourg
Round off your journey with Muscat De Hambourg 2020 and almond biscotti, brie and banana loaf, sweetened with quince jellies.
Sense of Place is a range of top tier wines, dedicated to the best individual vineyard components at the winemakers’ disposal. Quantity is limited, and the wines are only released in years that the vineyards show their best. The range’s link with its provenance is highlighted on the labels and acknowledges the ties of wine to nature.
Stellenbosch Hills makes 5.6 million litres of wine in a given season, from about 8,000 tonnes of grapes.
Stellenbosch Hills:
- Location: c/o R310 & Vlottenburg Road, Vlottenburg, Stellenbosch
- Website: https: www.stellenbosch-hills.co.za
- Contact: 021 881 3828/9
The Fat Butcher:
- Location: 1 Van Riebeeck St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch
- Website: fatbutcher.co.za
- Contact: +2721 882 8705
By Lorraine Kearney
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New winemaker spreads his wings at the helm of Stellenbosch Hills
Pictures: Instagram