This past weekend I took myself on a solo date. Is there anything better than incredible food (that you didn’t cook yourself), fabulous wine, and fantastic company? The company being me and my latest book of course. In my lane, rested, moisturised and flourishing.
I took the opportunity to speak to the sommelier and it was so wonderful to chat to someone so knowledgeable about wine and food. I think a lot of us feel intimidated by the sommelier at a good restaurant. We have this misconception that they will try get us to purchase the most expensive bottle of wine on the menu. This really isn’t the case. The sommelier’s job is to suggest wines they think you will enjoy based on your descriptions of wines you have enjoyed in the past, as well as suggest wines that will pair well with the dishes you’re eating.
It was a warm day so I wanted a wine that was light and slightly fruity while still complementing the heavy cream and Italian sausage pasta dish I was planning on having for my main course. After much deliberation on the merits of a Pinot Noir versus a Cinsault I settled on the Glen Carlou Pinot Noir 2022 and was not in the slightest bit disappointed.
Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult wine cultivar to grow and produce in South Africa as it ideally needs a cooler climate than we can provide. But whatever they are doing at Glen Carlou, they are clearly doing it right. This wine is subtle and light with distinct flavours of grapefruit lingering to a soft finish with hints of vanilla. Well rounded medium tannins produce an excellent mouthfeel that leaves you excited for more. This wine could probably age for another year or two but is just as stunning enjoyed right away. I would recommend it paired with a creamy pasta dish or a meltingly soft fillet.
Take my last piece of advice and don’t forget dessert. Perhaps a panna cotta or fluffy chocolate mousse.
This wine retails for about R160 a bottle and is worth every cent. Enjoy responsibly, no under-18s.