Dining Bordeaux-style

They say that fashions come and go but classics stay forever. With this in mind, here is a classic sauce served with the classic combination of game and the 2012 Creation Bordeaux-style blend. 
– Warwick Taylor

At Creation Wines we are consistently at the forefront of wine and food pairing innovation, yet every now and then it is good to pay homage to classic combinations that have stood the test of time. A great example is the 2012 Creation Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, which reflecting the rich heritage of a Bordeaux-style blend, has been paired by our chef Warwick Taylor with his delectable Grilled Warthog Loin, Roasted Parsnip, Baby Spinach, Mustard Potato Croquette and Shiitake Bordelaise Sauce.

The history of Bordeaux (capital of the Aquitaine region in south-western France) is of course firmly intertwined with the ebb and flow of power between the numerous empires and kingdoms that have held sway in Europe over the centuries, with the royalty favouring the wines of this region. Entire First Growth vintages were purchased by the royal houses of Europe – to rest in the quiet cellars of kings, queens, emperors and tsars and to grace their sumptuous tables at magnificent functions.

With the natural abundance of game (like deer and wild boar) roaming the expansive forests surrounding Bordeaux’s Gironde Estuary, the wines of Bordeaux have long been associated with the venison and game dishes that dominate the cuisine of the area. While venison was often the preserve of the wealthy allowed to hunt in the king’s woods, the First Growths represented only a tiny fraction of the wines produced. However, more humble fare like rabbit was equally well known and enjoyed with the robust Bordeaux reds. Whether paired with the dish or used as one of the ingredients, Bordeaux-style blends have the structure, depth, balance and complexity to harmonise with the powerful flavours typical of these dishes.

The Creation Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot 2012 is dense, blue-black in the glass with hues of violet.
It rewards with generous aromas of blackberry and blackcurrant fruit with a background of smoky oak. These
follow through on the palate where well-integrated tannins promise excellent maturation potential. Click here to
order.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADE
Creation Wines is pleased to announce that to coincide with the considerable progress being made on the surfacing of the R320 Road towards Caledon from Hermanus, and due to increased traffic, we will be upgrading the access roads and infrastructure leading to the Cellar. Please note that while the farm and Tasting Room will still be easily accessible and operate during their regular hours, there will be directed access from 12 to 26 May. The entrance to the farm will also be upgraded during this period, with the rehabilitation of the stream and marshy areas and removal of alien vegetation a priority. There are also plans in place for a helipad with easy access to the Tasting Room and Cellar to be built at a later stage.