Planning the Perfect Picnic

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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.

Corporate Gifting Ideas

To avoid the last minute rush, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how to spoil your colleagues and clients this year. Take the guesswork out of corporate gifting and choose Creation – characterised by rare balance, elegance, distinction and finesse each wine is guaranteed to convey your highest esteem. We offer a choice of premium packaging plus the option to brand the packaging with your corporate logo or a personalised message.

The Riedel Stemless, O-to-go and Vinum ranges also make great gifts when combined with the wines they are designed to complement. For the discerning recipient combine a set of two Burgundy glasses with a selection of three Creation Pinot Noir wines, or select a gift set of white wines with Sauvignon Blanc glasses – the options are endless.
Simply contact [email protected] or click here to view our products.

Creation is of course also the ideal venue for your year-end function. A dedicated chef and professional kitchen is at your service and menus can be tailor made to meet your requirements. What’s more, our knowledgeable team look forward to hosting your guests, conducting comprehensive tastings and pairing our wines with each course. To book, contact [email protected].

Highlights and Happenings on the Creation Calendar

Ranging from fun functions and sensational shows on the Creation Estate to maintaining a strong presence at prestigious wine events, we love to see you there! Here are some of the latest attractions.

HERMANUS

10 October at 9h00 – 13h00: Hermanus Country Market, Hermanus Cricket Club Hermanus A small market with a lot of soul. Where good friends meet, hug and eat…an amazing array of fresh organic produce, homemade delicacies, artisan breads, probiotic yoghurts, handmade cheeses, home smoked fish, happy hen eggs, and wheat-free bakes and local wines. For more information visit their facebook page.

STELLENBOSCH

15 October: Wild Peacock Gourmet Dinner, Wild Peacock Food Emporium, 32 Piet Retief Street, Stellenbosch. Bookings: [email protected]

THE UK

During November Creation’s Carolyn Martin will be presenting wine masterclasses and tastings at Fazenda in Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool on the following dates:
9 November at 18h30 – Leeds
10 November at 18h30 – Manchester
11 November at 19h30 – Liverpool

For more information go to:
www.fazenda.co.uk/leeds/classes
www.fazenda.co.uk/liverpool/classes
www.fazenda.co.uk/manchester/classes

Visit their Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/fazendaleeds/events
www.facebook.com/fazendaliverpool/events
www.facebook.com/fazendamanchester/events

Creation Dinner at The Hog at Horsley

Date: 28th October
Time: dinner
Venue: The Hog at Horsley
The Cross, Horsley, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 0PR, United Kingdom
http://thehogathorsley.co.uk

Save the date
Send us an email and we will send you more information
Contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Creation Sommeliers Tasting

Date: 30th October
Time: 14h00 -17h00
Venue: Mayfair London.

If you are a sommelier based in London please contact [email protected] for an invitation to attend this exclusive event in Mayfair.

Link to Klink

In combining winemaking showmanship with culinary artistry, gorgeous flavours with irresistible textures, Creation has gained an enviable reputation for our innovative and ever-evolving wine and food pairings. In fact, wine and food pairing has become one of the estate’s main attractions and we have won the KLINK Wine Tourism Award for Best Food and Wine Pairing at the Cellar Door twice.

Always at the leading edge of flavour profiling, Creation recently launched a new menu that takes wine and food pairing to even greater heights (and which has been nominated for the 2015 Klink Awards – vote for us here).

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