Semillon is an ancient cultivar that has its traditional home in the Bordeaux region of France where it is used in the production of both sweet and dry white blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Although not as widely known as its blending partner, it is nevertheless grown and consumed in most winemaking countries.
History
As with most ancient cultivars still planted today, the exact origins of Semillon are unknown, however its history in the South African context is both long and filled with ups and downs. Semillon was one of the first cultivars imported to South Africa by early settlers and by the mid-19th Century it accounted for over 90 percent of South Africa’s white grapes – so ubiquitous in fact that it was simply referred to as the wyndruif or ‘wine grape’. The devastation of the phylloxera epidemic was probably the beginning of the end: Semillon has never recovered as a wider selection of more ‘fashionable’ cultivars became available. The versatility of the cultivar was also responsible, in part, for its decline. Very few Semillon specialists focussed on producing quality styles of this wine and this meant less publicity and exposure to consumers. Today Semillon plantings in South Africa have dropped to just over 1% of total vineyard area, with negligible growth in recent years.
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On Monday, 30 March Creation Wines presented a ”What’s in a glass” evening at Brasserie de Paris. A full house audience including media and Creation followers, were treated to Creation wines served in cultivar specific Riedel glasses. Creation Pinot Noir and the Creation Syrah Grenache were paired perfectly with wonderful cuisine. Guests were introduced to the new tasting kit for wine clubs and the exclusive Creation Reserve Merlot which was a hit. Be sure not to miss out on our next event in Gauteng, which will be posted on our events page.
Yes! Top South African stand-up comedian, Mark Palmer, is back by popular demand – for one night only. Having built a very successful career in South Africa, this talented Cape Town boy left for the UK in 2012 to pursue a career in comedy in one of the world’s longest running comedy circuits. He was recently invited to be part of The Comedy Club, UK’s Festival of Comedy, where he was described as the very best up and coming talent of UK comedy.
And now you can catch him onstage at Creation on 17 May 2015 for the Creation, Curry & Chuckles Show where his irresistible wit will be spiced up by the delectable curry created by our gifted chef and enhanced by our award-winning wines. Tickets are limited – click here to book.
About Mark Palmer:
The very best up and coming talent of UK comedy! – Comedy Club UK
Mark Palmer is one of a rare breed of comedians: he can make you laugh without having to pepper his routine with expletives or venture too far below the belt. He’s great at slice-of-life comedy, and deftly gives a wide range of subjects a sharp nudge in the ribs!” – The Cape Times
First rate comedic therapy – The Writing Studio
Comedy times two! – The Argus
