As the days lengthen and the spring sun intensifies, the estate vineyards at Creation once again turn to vibrant shades of green, announcing to our visitors that summer is on the way. With sunnier days and warmer temperatures comes the opportunity to make the most of the South African outdoor lifestyle – something most locals appreciate and an aspect of our truly magnificent country attracting visitors from all over the world, year after year. To inspire you to celebrate the natural beauty and glorious climate we at Creation have come up with a field guide to the perfect picnic …
The Perfect Picnic Wine
Sometimes considered a niche white blend, the Creation Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is a favourite with both JC Martin (Creation viticulturist and winemaker) and his wife Carolyn (marketing director and food pairing guru). They simply love it for its versatile, food friendly character and elegant structure.
The 2015 Creation Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is composed of 80% Sauvignon Blanc of which 50% was fermented in stainless steel without undergoing malolactic fermentation – thus retaining its fresh and fruity character. The remaining 50% Sauvignon Blanc was barrel-fermented: around 40% in new 320-litre and 500-litre barrels and the rest in second and third fill barrels. The Semillon component (20% of the blend) was fermented in older barrels.
The wine is light straw-yellow in colour, with glints of green in the glass. It has an invigorating, salty bouquet, reminiscent of the fresh sea breezes caressing our vineyards, with tempting hints of green fig. All in all a unique, terroir-expressive Bordeaux-style white.
At present the 2015 Creation Sauvignon Blanc Semillon is only available at our Tasting Room or directly from the estate – click here to order your allocation of this limited release wine now.
The Perfect Picnic Pairings
At Creation we specialise in the pairing of wine and food, drawing inspiration from local and seasonal produce. This week Chef Warwick Taylor has created three special picnic treats to capture the freshness of spring and the sunshine of summer in a perfect match for the Creation Sauvignon Blanc Semillon.
Smoked Salmon Pâté with Cucumber Jelly
The savoury, smoked seafood pâté is the ideal accompaniment to the savoury notes and subtle wood in the Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, while the freshness of the cucumber serves to enhance the delightful crispness of the wine. Click here for the recipe.
Leek and Caciotta Tart with Marinated Olives
The Creation Sauvignon Blanc Semillon makes an ideal pairing for quiches and tarts since the umami character contributed by the eggs is well matched by a similar character in the wine. The creaminess of the leeks echoes the texture of the wine while the saltiness of the olives finds exciting contrast in the hints of green fig displayed in the wine. Click here for the recipe.
A Platter of Freshly Shucked Oysters with Fresh Sourdough Bread, Rye Croutons, Cheese and Marinated Nocellara del Belice Olives
The fresh, salty oysters beautifully complement the wine’s crisp bouquet and refreshing mineral notes. The oysters also emphasise the texture of the wine.
The Perfect Picnic Paraphernalia
The vessel from which you sip your wine can have a huge impact on your perception of that wine. At Creation we choose to present our wines in Riedel glasses. The different shapes direct the wine to different parts of the palate, emphasising the best characteristics of each style of wine. Among the latest additions to our range of glasses are the Stemless Riedel tumbler (perfect for picnics and outdoor use as they are far less likely to be knocked over or blown over by the wind) and the O-to-Go glass which is used by George Riedel himself when travelling. The O-to-Go glass is considered by Riedel to be the most versatile glass shape and comes in its own sturdy carrying tube for true go-anywhere capability! Click here to order yours now.
