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In this issue:
Contact Us : Stormy gusty conditions, gale force northerly winds, torrential rain, moody landscapes, wholesome casseroles, fiery hot curries, consoling soups, rich gravies with Sunday roasts, infinitely elegant sophisticated Red wines and watching sport at a number of inviting local bars or pubs. WELCOME to WINTER Constantia Style! Constantia Glen releases highly anticipated maiden vintage Bordeaux Blend
Constantia Glen is perfectly situated on the sweeping slopes of the beautiful Constantia Mountain, historic home to Cape wine. High in the saddle of Constantia Nek, the property enjoys multiple aspects, ideal temperatures, fine wine-growing soils – and, uniquely, late afternoon sun on our red grape vineyards, creating near perfect growing conditions. Since establishing the vineyards in 2000, the philosophy on the farm has been to pay utmost attention to the vineyard, and our meticulous viticultural practise has seen fantastic results in our award-winning Sauvignon Blanc. Cool, long ripening periods and meticulous vineyard practises maximise the flavour concentration of our grapes, while our wine-making values are founded in elegance and balance. Vintage 2007 has proven to be excellent for our red varieties, and we are proud to release our maiden vintage red blend - Constantia Glen 2007: a classic blend of the noble Bordeaux varieties. 2007 was our first harvest to be vinified in our custom-built 120-ton gravity fed cellar. The weather played along perfectly, allowing for a textbook ripening period. Near-infrared aerial photography to monitor vineyard vigour was paired with staged phenolic ripeness assessments and exhaustive vineyard tastings to ascertain picking dates that were optimum, and the hand-selected berries had excellent flavour concentration. Constantia Glen 2007 shows black fruits and spicy aromatics as a first impression. Headily scented cedar wood nuances are offset by lashings of blackcurrant and Morello cherries. On the palate the wine is an exercise in balance. The polished tannins lend texture and structure to its immense complexity. The wine is both elegant and refined and exudes class in all aspects - culminating in a sophisticated finish that lingers.
Limited quantities are available directly from the farm. For a private tasting or to order please contact: Jeremy Nel - 0823311656 Eagles' Nest Shiraz 2007 Now Released
Great excitement surrounded the release of our Shiraz 2007 in early May. Following the success of our maiden vintage, the 2006 which was awarded 5* in the 2009 Platter Guide and the Best Red Wine Trophy at the Old Mutual Trophy Awards, the 2007 has all the hallmarks that has made Eagles' Nest Shiraz one of the most sought after wines in South Africa. Tiny yields and hand crafted expertise in the cellar ensures that only the very best wine goes into each bottle; and with less than 7000 bottles made, demand is fever-pitch already from exclusive wine boutiques and restaurants nationwide. Like all Eagles' Nest wines, the Shiraz is very European in style showing classic elegance and restraint and the ideal wine to be enjoyed with spicy lamb and mild Cape Malay dishes. Andrew Leaver Joins Eagles' Nest Joining the Eagles' Nest team in mid-May to manage the commercial operations of the farm, Andrew Leaver has over 10 years experience in the wine trade, both locally and abroad. To quote him: "growing up in Tokai, I am deeply passionate about the wines we produce in the Constantia Valley. Without doubt Constantia is holding the torch for quality South African wine, and right here 15 minutes away from the V&A Waterfront. Half the farms in the Valley produced a 5*-rated wine in the 2009 Platter Guide – a success rate no other wine region can boast of. Eagles' Nest is situated on a very unique site and is ideally placed to produce some of the finest wines from South Africa. I am delighted to be back in Constantia and part of the Eagles' Nest team." Andrew started working at Klein Constantia while a student at Stellenbosch University before working at Steenberg Vineyards with the then winemaker Nicky Versfeld. Thereafter he moved to the UK and worked in the UK and European wine markets for Bibendum Wine Ltd for 9 years. The Eagles' Nest wines are available directly from our website, www.eaglesnestwines.com, with free delivery nationwide. Please contact us for a list of wine boutiques and restaurants that stock our wine locally. Eagles' Nest
It is our pleasure to announce the Groot Constantia Winter Concert Series 2009. South Africa is celebrating 350 years of wine making and as part of this festivity Groot Constantia will be hosting a series of classical concerts from 17 June to 9 September 2009, on Wednesday evenings, fortnightly, at 19h30. The artists have been carefully selected to represent only the best talent from South Africa. They will perform programmes of their own choice to wow our audience. The artists and the dates of their performances are as follows: 15 July: An evening of Quintets with the Amici String Quartet: Mozart's ever popular Clarinet Quintet with Matthew Reid and the Brahms Piano Quintet Opus34 with Luis Magalhaes, fiery and emotionally charged works to move our audience. 29 July: The popular duo, husband and wife team, Luis Magalhaes and Nina Schumann in a two-piano concert, launching their latest CD recording and dazzling audiences with their formidable techniques and stage prowess! 12 August: Marc Uys in concert, one of SA's finest violinists now residing in New York City, performing a programme of virtuoso violin music,accompanied by Kathleen Tagg, one of SA's finest pianists, also residing in NYC. 26 August: A solo piano recital by the famous South African virtuoso pianist, Jonathan Oshry. 9 September: The Camerata Tinta Barocca, a Cape Town based baroque orchestra, will be performing works from the era of 1659 and 1685 to highlight those precious years of SA history. All the evenings will include wine from Groot Constantia and a light finger supper. Ticket prices are R240 per person and will be available from the 1st of June 2009 at concerts@grootconstantia.co.za or 021 794 5128. More Gold Medals for Groot Constantia
The Gouverneurs Shiraz 2006 was awarded a Gold Medal, as well as a place in the Syrah du Monde's Top 10 List of the best Shiraz wines on show in the world. Some 325 Shiraz wines from 17 countries were entered into this year's Syrah du Monde, including wines from France (the traditional home of Syrah), Chile, Argentina United States of America and Australia. Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2008 – Received a Gold Medal at the 26th International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2009 - the world's most prestigious and influential independent wine competition, with entries from 41 countries. This makes it 13 Gold medals in just less than 22 months, not counting the Silver Awards. Come and taste and judge for yourself. KIDS ARE KING PROGRAM at Groot Constantia Winter School holidays from 26th June till 22nd July. Whilst parents visit the farm to taste the wines, KIDS are welcome to come and colour in. (There is a little surprise for the kids as well) Jonkershuis Winter Buffet Menu
Don't forget that Jonkershuis are running their Cape Malay WINTER BUFFET Available from 6pm until 9pm Monday to Friday There are two options available: R98pp 2 courses from the buffet (starter and main) OR R110pp 2 courses from the buffet and a plated dessert! Booking is ESSENTIAL please call 021 794 6255 to avoid disappointment. Please 021 794 6255 The Menu! STARTERS Roasted Butternut Soup Chefs Soup of the Day MAINS Oven Baked Beef Bobotie DESSERT Malva Pudding
Winter Special 1st May until the 30th September2009 Lunch Menu Dinner Menu Valid until 30th September 2009 Constantia Uitsig Restaurant +27 (0)21 794 4480
Winter Special 1st May until 30th September 2009 Dinner Menu Exclusive 7 course tasting menu A la carte menu La Colombe will be closed from La Colombe +27 (0)21 794 2390
Winter Special 1st May until 30th September 2009 The River Café will be closed from Escape to the best of the Cape...
Escape to the best of the Cape... 6 Nights... R 4100.00 per person sharing (room upgrades subject to availability) To book, please contact 021 794 6500 or reservations@uitsig.co.za Rates include 14% VAT. Rates include breakfast and exclude transfers and extras. Terms and conditions apply. WORLD-FAMOUS CLOETES RESTAURANT BOASTS A NEW LOOK & A NEW CHEF STEEPED in history, beckoning the well-heeled traveller and conveniently located in the heart of the Constantia winelands, lies the famous Alphen Country House Hotel. Home to the renowned Cloetes Restaurant (notably named after its owners), the restaurant recently underwent a sensitive refurbishment, restoring Cloetes to its former historical splendour. DÉCOR & DESIGN Working with interior designer, Lisa Bond of Porcupine Interior Architecture, the brief was to keep the original warmth and character of a family run country hotel. The dining area was looking tired and thus needed some fresh inspiration that was in keeping with the heritage of the hotel. Existing beautiful old timber screen doors were moved forward to break the space and transformed the feeling of the dining area. New lighting illuminates the family portraits and historical paintings making them more alive and interesting. Comments Lisa Bond; "All existing furniture had to be re-upholstered and in some cases re-furbished. The transformation of some of the old couches and chairs was quite astounding – one must never disregard old things – but rather uncover their beauty". The actual type of fabrics and prints were specially chosen to reflect the rambling country garden feeling with an added bit of shimmer in the velvets and violets to add a sense of grandeur to the dinner experience. Further says Lisa; "When working with a Heritage building, one has to choose colour, texture and fabrics to enhance the existing structure that remains unchanged but can be transformed such as the wonderful character of the restaurant's timber floors and window frames, the ancient glass panes and the beautiful timber beams". A NEW CHEF A new look calls for a new chef. The appointment of Simon Kemp is a natural progression of the hotel's brand extension and vision. Says General Manager, Francois Steyn; "Simon's experience in the art of fine dining made him the obvious choice for our intimate and internationally renowned restaurant. Our cuisine dates back to our historical roots and we continue to aim to provide guests with wholesome and flavoursome food that has a modern twist". With extensive culinary experience and a portfolio that includes working at prestigious establishments such as Simola Hotel, Cape Town International Convention Centre, Hotel Le Vendome, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and others, Simon has set himself the task of re-launching Cloetes onto the local and international culinary scene. Simon's responsibilities require him to oversee all food production, preside over all activities in the restaurant and manage the brigade in the bustling kitchen. A seasoned traveller, Simon's culinary skills are influenced from his travels around Europe, drawing on a wealth of classic European cuisine mixed with a spicy dose of Eastern aromas, colours and textures. His food concentrates on simple flavours, light but refined sauces, fresh and exotic ingredients combining classic cuisine with contemporary trends and a splash of Asian and African flavours. Fine dining has long been a tradition at Cloetes and the restaurant is renowned for its exceptional cuisine and menu that features contemporary South African food with a tantalising cosmopolitan influence. An extensive wine list is available with an exclusive selection dedicated to the Constantia Valley. "Going back to the basics" is how Simon best describes his methodology. Meals are prepared from scratch, whilst herbs and vegetables are freshly sourced from the grounds of The Alphen. The task of carefully sourcing his own produce as well as growing the essentials, allows Simon to cater for long-term guests of The Alphen Country Hotel who are able to order their special meal preferences. Dining at Cloetes incorporates a historical ambience that is colourfully blended with a modern twist. Simon's passion, flair and skill culminate in meals with robust flavours, interesting ingredients and generous portions. His daily menus incorporate the Cape's best local and seasonal produce in a relaxed, stylish and tranquil setting. For further information contact the Alphen Country Hotel on 021 794 5011 or visit www.alphenhotel.co.za. The Alphen Country Hotel is part of the Queensgate Hotel & Leisure Group who are managing the hotel to restore it to its former glory. A word from Peter Gilder of Peter Gilder Jewellers
Later this year we celebrate our 25th Anniversary! How far we have come since we opened "the little jewellery shop on the corner." Today, Peter Gilder Jewellery in Constantia is ranked among the top echelons of the South African jewellery industry. Our designs and fine jewellery creations are comparable in style and quality to anywhere in the world. I am really proud of our fantastic team of professionals. Jewellery Evaluation and Gem Identification Laboratory. It is with great pleasure that I introduce Jeremy Rothon FGA (gemmologist, Gt Britain) who recently joined us in the capacity of Retail Manager. Jeremy brings with him a wealth of experience in the South African jewellery industry and we are proud that he will be heading up our new Jewellery Evaluation Service and Gem Identification Laboratory. He will be very ably assisted in this department by our resident We recognise that your jewellery is one of the most important items on your insurance policy, therefore updating and maintaining correct values is crucial. In these times of fluctuating exchange rates and precious metal prices, values placed on your jewellery can become out of date very quickly. With the increasing costs of insurance, policies should be maintained more accurately. Ensure you are not overpaying on your premiums, or indeed undervaluing your items, by having your portfolio updated regularly.All valuations are done in-store, strictly by appointment. I urge you to call Jeremy on 021 794 2116 or email jeremy@petergilder.co.za at your earliest convenience to secure a time to update your valuations. Where possible, our valuations will be supported with photographs. Thomas Sabo Mandy G is thrilled to have been appointed official stockist of the internationally renowned "Thomas Sabo Collection". This fine quality sterling silver range is tailor made for the current market and attracts both young and old with its' exciting design and style at an affordable price. Peter Gilder goes green! Like everyone else we are constantly on the lookout for ways to decrease our carbon footprint. In future, all our communications shall be done electronically and I urge you to provide us with your email address. I promise NOT to flood you with junk mail – no more than three communiqués per annum – and they will only be sent when and if I deem them really exciting! If we don't already have your most up to date email address, kindly send us an email to info@petergilder.co.za, together with your name, so we can add you to our already substantial list of Green clients! Keep a look out for our 25th Anniversary celebrations. In the meantime we look forward to seeing you in the store soon! Kind regards Cellars Hohenort Winter Specials! Winter dinner specials at two of Cape Town's finest restaurants in July and August
Peter Tempelhoff, award winning, Executive Chef for The Collection by Liz McGrath, has devised the perfect winter feast for only R200 per person. "In the Greenhouse we are focussing on richer flavours with simple yet elegant plating. This special menu changes weekly according to the availability of ingredients. Diners can expect the usual Greenhouse 5-star style of food and attention to detail, which I have labelled as "Progressive South African with Classic French Undertones" say Peter. The full a la carte and renowned tasting menus will also be available should guests prefer. Please mention the Winter Warmer Special when making your booking . 021 794 2137 Finally, a farewell to the British and Irish Lions Tour...
I had the great pleasure of organizing a Wine Tasting Festival for the Gulliver's supporters which was held at Simons Restaurant on the Groot Constantia Wine Estate. Some of the comments heard on the day were: "This is so much better than the wine festival held at the last Lions tour in Marlborough New Zealand"
"How many people get to taste wines from some of the most superior wine estates in the world while watching a massive troop of baboons frolic on the terraced lawns - this is the stuff that holidays are made of!" "Don't make me do any speeches after 2:30pm, the odds are I might be incoherent". Unnamed ex British and Irish Lions player! Jooles and the CVA Team |
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The blend is 32% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Malbec, 11.5% Cabernet Franc and 11.5% Petit Verdot, aged in 100% new French oak (from six coopers) for 13.5 months. Bottled on the 15th of July 2008 after a light egg-white fining and filtration. This wine is dense and has ample extract to allow for superlative ageing potential over the next 10-15 years.
The Greenhouse and Cape Malay Restaurants at the five star, Relais & Chateaux hotel, The Cellars-Hohenort have launched a winter special for the months of July and August 2009. Guests can experience an exception 5 Course dinner at The Greenhouse restaurant. 
The ever popular Cape Malay Restaurant is also offering a unique 5 course menu, at R200 throughout the year, highlighting our diverse Malay cuisine and offering classic favourites created by the head chef, Martha Williams. 
The Constantia Valley was seeing RED on Wednesday the 24th June. 1400 red British and Irish Lions jerseys to be exact - all worn by those on tour here with Gulliver's Sports Travel. 
"The food is amazing, best we have had at any of the functions we have been to so far on this tour"