Sommelier’s Choice: Zimkhitha Mshiya from Maslow Hotel

In this popular series we feature selected sommeliers from top restaurants around the world.

Each chooses his or her favourite Creation wine, tells us why and recommends a matching dish. This week we welcome Zimkhitha Mshiya from the highly regarded Maslow Hotel in Sandton.

Zimkhitha says:

I rate Creation among South Africa’s top wineries. Healthy grapes are a prerequisite for quality wines and Creation’s virus-free vineyards coupled with cellarmaster Jean-Claude Martin’s dedication result in truly beautiful wines. Such as the Creation Syrah, Grenache. The tannins are not intrusive but rather elegant and this elegance follows through in every aspect of the well-structured wine. It has lovely notes of darker fruit such as blackcurrant and plum as well as spiciness, notably white pepper, which linger on the aftertaste. Another attribute is the refreshing acidity which serves to clean the palate between mouthfuls of food.

The dish recommended by Chef Giovanni is Karoo Lamb Breast and Loin with Schwarma Spice, Shallot Purée, Aubergine Caviar with Tomato, Potato Fondant and Garlic Nuggets. The natural acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the lamb while the loin which is cooked in olive oil picks up the black olive flavours in the wine. The side dishes accentuate the savoury notes in the wine and all in all the food is an ideal match for this special wine.


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