South Africa - Western Cape - Paarl

A short drive out of Cape Town takes you to the foot of the second largest outcrop of granite in the world and this is where you find the town of Paarl. The Paarl region is landlocked and full of scenic splendour with five mountain passes and the Berg river winding its way through the area keeping fruit orchards and vineyards verdant. Important in terms of quality and quantity, Paarl is the second largest producing region in South Africa with over seventeen and a half thousand hectares under vine. Every type of winery is seen here from the biggest of co-ops to the smallest of 'garagistes' making a vast cross-section of wine styles as the soil and microclimates vary enormously across the district.

Viognier, 2006, Fairview, Paarl

The 2006 Viognier from Fairview has a pale, golden hue, and a fresh bouquet of kiwi, lychee and nutmeg, evolving with peach and white flowers. The palate has a good freshness, balanced with gentle oaking and fragrant fruit. Hazelnuts and peaches linger through to the rich finish. It is bottled under Stelvin which ensures that the wine remains in perfect condition, preserving the fruit Records show that the first wine was made on Fairview in 1699. Fairview passed through numerous owners until 1937 when Charles Back, an immigrant from Lithuania bought the estate. The farm already had a reputation for its wines, which in those days were mostly fortified styles. Local anecdote refers to a doctor prescribing teaspoonfuls of Fairview wines to ailing children. Charles Back passed away in 1955 and the running of the farm was taken over by his son Cyril who replanted the whole farm. Cyril introduced milking goats in 1980, which led to the development of cheese production at Fairview. In 1978 his son, Charles, joined Fairview after completing a winemaking degree and a practical spell at another cellar. Charles is responsible for the building of Fairview's famous goat tower, which was completed despite the initial reservations of his father. When Cyril passed away in 1995, Charles assumed full responsibility of Fairview. The policies and initiatives started by Cyril Back continue to be evolved by Charles, ensuring that Fairview is planted with grape varieties suited to its terroir such as Shiraz, Viognier and Pinotage. The best cheese styles from Europe enhanced by Fairview's innovation provide cheese lovers with a wonderful selection of distinctive cheeses. CHEESE/FISH/APERITIF/CHICKEN

Tortoise Hill, 2005 Glen Carlou Vineyards, Paarl-Simonsberg

Rich purple/red colour with a strawberry/chocolate nose with cinnamon spice. The flavour reveals ripe red berry flavours with a spicy and soft red fruit on the palate. The wine has a lovely rounded smooth mouth feel and finishes long without overt tannins. Nestled high in the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains, looking northwards towards Paarl, lies Glen Carlou Vineyards. Established in 1985 by celebrated winemaker Walter Finlayson, Glen Carlou has already developed a reputation among connoisseurs both in South Africa and abroad for its exquisite wines. The 108 hectare farm once formed part of the original Simonsvlei land. It was given the name Glen Carlou by a previous owner in honour of his three lovely daughters, Lena, Carol and Louise. Walter Finlayson, one of South Africa's best known winemakers, has devoted his life to the production of great wines. Walter's son, David, has now joined the company as cellarmaster having gained experience overseas after a vintage in both Australia and Bordeaux in France. He was trained in South Africa at Elsenburg College. The Tortoise Hill is made from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Zinfandel, 10% Shiraz, 10% Tourega Nacional (used in port production in Portugal) and 10% Merlot. Rich purple/red in colour with a strawberryand slightly chocolatly nose with hints of cinnamon. In the mouth ripe red berry flavours dominate with thouches of spice. Rounded with a long ripe finish and soft tannins. Thisis a wine that can be drunk now or laid down for further maturation. BEEF/GAME/PASTA