So as you know I popped through to have a bit of a gander, and a taste of the amazing auction wines recently purchased by the team at Tsogo Sun hotel group. Close on R3.7 million was spent during their shopping spree at the Nederburg and Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild wine auctions last year, and we enjoyed them at an intimate wine tasting at the Sandton Sun’s chefs table.
Tsogo Sun took top honours the third consecutive year for wines purchased by a single bidder at the 2016 auctions. The wines are available at selected Tsogo Sun hotels and restaurants and for purchasing from Café Cru at Montecasino in Johannesburg via their off sales license.
The Auction Wine Tasting event took place in the literal rabbit warren of the kitchens under the Sandton Sun, where we were introduced to a selection of the fabulous wines!
The event paired wines hand-picked and introduced by Group Sommelier Miguel Chan with a modern take on cheese and wine, courtesy of Executive Chef of Tsogo Sun’s Sandton Mile, Garth Shnier.
On the cold menu was Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Semillon 2009 paired with Pea & whipped feta espuma and buckwheat cracker shards; Nederburg Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc Semillon paired with Mascarpone & roasted asparagus panciotti, confit plum tomatoes, and cured smoked pork neck; Almenkerk Chardonnay 2012 and Uitkyk Chardonnay 2009 paired with Smoked kwaito cheese & mushroom cheesecake and mushroom potage.
The hot menu featured Eikendal Merlot 2011 paired with Parmesan, Gruyère & sesame beignet and aged beef carpaccio; Nederburg Private Bin R 181 Merlot 2006 paired with Chevre & beetroot pannacotta and annis basted duck breast; Stellenrust Chenin Blanc 2012 paired with Truffle & Gorgonzola soufflé and apple & celery gazpacho; Bayede 7 Icon Chenin Blanc 2012 paired with Sweet pepper Emmental cheese and lobster rissoles.
The dessert menu included Boplaas Cape Tawny Reserve 1995 paired with Parmesan ice-cream, caramalised onion crisps, choux pastry swans, Blue cheese & pecan nut frangipane tarts, Camembert & baby apple tarte tartin, and Panko fried apricot blue cheese.
Says Miguel Chan, “The South African wines we select at auctions showcase the exceptional care and effort that winemakers have put in to produce great wines, which in turn echoes our approach to our world-class food & beverage offering throughout the group. Our auction wines will continue to add something special to every occasion – and we look forward to sharing them with our guests.”
At the Nederburg auction on 16 and 17 September, Tsogo Sun bought 327 cases of wine totalling R1.08 million and representing 14.3% of the auction’s total sales, up from last year’s percentage of 10.4% of total sales. The CWG Auction saw Tsogo Sun spend a total of R2 616 800, representing 495 cases and a total of 2 970 bottles.
For more information go to tsogosun.com, follow them on Twitter and Instagram @TsogoSun
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