With the recent launch of the Creation Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014, Creation Wines has invited local chef Benjamin Conradie of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve to showcase his interpretation of the perfect pairings for this versatile wine across three weeks and a delectable array of flavours. 

Situated just outside of Gansbaai in Walker Bay, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is nestled between mountain and sea – a five-star eco-paradise showcasing the incredible flora and marine life in this unique setting at the southern tip of Africa. Home to the marine Big 5 (whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins), and with unparalleled floral diversity, Grootbos serves as home and inspiration to featured chef Benjamin Conradie. Surrounded by the Cape Floral Kingdom and situated near a number of marine and nature reserves, it is also just 30 minutes from the Hemel-en-Aarde, home to Creation Wines.

MUSSEL, SAFFRON AND CREATION SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON RISOTTO
Spring has arrived in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge near Hermanus in Walker Bay in a most emphatic manner. Perfect sunny days and long cool evenings crowned with glorious sunsets combined with ocean breezes that scent the air to create the inspiration for Chef Benjamin’s pairing this week. The distinctly terroir expressive Creation Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2014 is perfectly suited to invoke the fresh spring atmosphere.

“I chose to incorporate the Creation Sauvignon Blanc Semillon into the mussel risotto with the intention of having the ocean meeting the wine on the plate,” says Chef Benjamin, “the freshness of the wine and the flavour of the ocean in the mussels complement each other perfectly”.

The mussel, saffron and Creation Sauvignon Blanc Semillon risotto is the perfect dish to celebrate the arrival of spring; mussels and seafood in general is a timeless pairing with Sauvignon Blanc Semillon – the earthiness of the delicate saffron creates depth while the creamy risotto is balanced by excellent natural acidity in the wine, refreshing the palate and lifting the flavours. Click here to view the recipe.

Light straw-yellow in colour with glints of green; the invigorating, salty bouquet is reminiscent of the fresh sea breezes caressing our vineyards, complemented by delightful hints of green fig. Click here to order this unique, terroir-expressive Bordeaux-style white and try this classic and delicious pairing at home.

KLINK AWARDS
We are happy to announce that Creation was nominated once again as one of the favourites in the Yin & Yang category in the 2015 Klink Awards. Voting is now open! Help us by voting now to bring the award for best wine & food pairing (which we won in the inaugural 2013 Klink Awards) back home. Kli(n)k here to vote.

SOUTH AFRICAN BUTLER ACADEMY VISITS CREATION
Creation Wines in the Hemel en Aarde Ridge is thrilled to have hosted the South African Butler Academy in the tasting room this week. After an educational guided vineyard walk co-owner and marketing director Carolyn Martin presented the award winning wine pairing canapés to the students to demonstrate some of the theoretical and practical aspects of pairing food to wine. Click here to view a video. Creation looks forward to regular future initiatives with the South African Butler Academy, as well as having our own tasting room staff benefit from instruction in some of the finer points of Butler training.

THREE INTERESTING AND UNUSUAL CULTIVARS PLANTED AT CREATION
Situated high up on the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge near Hermanus in Walker Bay, the specific terroir at Creation allows for the successful cultivation of a variety of grapes. Among these are three cultivars which represent plantings that are either unique in the area or represent a very small percentage of the total planting in the Hemel-en-Aarde. Click here to read more.