The last Friday of the month had become a regular and very popular feature for the Amari’s “Wine Experience” evenings, held in the Amari Gardens. However, with the recent inclement weather, it was decided to move the event to an indoors venue and the Mantra restaurant was chosen.
This particular event was called the South African Wine Experience, and with the Amari Executive Chef Shaun Venter being South African, those in the know knew they were in for a good experience.
The wines were from the Openers label and were sourced through Wine Dee Dee with their MD Anirut and staff in attendance.
The Chenin Blanc 2013 was a pleasant white wine, crisp clean in the mouth.
The Chardonnay, 2012 had more body, and I favored this wine over the previous one, but as always, wine appreciation depends upon individual taste.
On to the reds and Openers Shiraz 2013 was certainly fruity and could be taken with food, or sipped on its own!
The Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 had more body than the Shiraz and delivered more tannins as well as fruit. I enjoyed this red too.
The food to go with the wines was chosen by Chef Shaun and was delivered buffet style. Talking afterwards with some of the regulars, the food was universally lauded, and featured some original South African items as Biltong Air Cured Beef, Frikkadels (South African Meat Balls) and Cape Malay Bobotie Curry.
Not a South African dish, but I really enjoyed the baked potato in jacket with sour cream and chives. There was a good selection of cheeses too.
As an “event” the South African Wine Experience was a success, but some of the diners wanted some details about the wines on offer, and perhaps a small leaflet on the table with explanations would heighten the enjoyment of these wine experience evenings.
