Latest news with #CheninBlanc
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Miso butter-roasted chicken and grilled vegetables
The Spier Seaward Chenin Blanc citrus and stone fruit notes, richly complex palate and fresh finish make it an excellent accompaniment to our miso butter-roasted chicken and grilled vegetables. Thanks to the incorporation of miso, this simple-to-make dish is packed with savoury umami flavours. Recipe compliments of Spier Wine Farm. Ingredients 15ml olive oil, plus extra Salt and pepper 80 g butter ⅓ cup miso paste 10ml sesame oil 30ml soy sauce 10ml sugar 15-30ml lemon juice 1 whole chicken (about 1.5kg) A few lemon wedges, optional Method Line the inside of a deep oven-proof pot or roasting dish with non-stick baking paper. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the chicken breast side up in the pot, then rub lightly with oil and season (lightly) with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and roast for 45 minutes. In the meantime, place the butter, miso paste, sesame oil, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring with a whisk until smooth (if it looks like splitting, use a blender to make it smooth). After the 45-minute roasting time, remove the chicken from the oven, reduce the heat to 180 °C, and use a pastry brush to brush the chicken with the miso mixture. Return to the oven without a lid and continue to roast for another 30 minutes or until dark and glossy. Remove from the oven, cover with a lid, and leave to rest for 10 minutes before serving. For the grilled vegetables, heat an iron skillet over high heat, then add about a tablespoon of oil and fry the vegetables until charred but still firm. Season with salt and pepper, then add a tablespoon of the miso mixture and continue to cook, stirring. Remove from the heat and cover with a lid to steam any larger vegetables further until just tender but not soft. Serve with the chicken. Spier's Seaward range is inspired by the Cape's unique coastal terroir. The Chenin blanc is made with grapes that are handpicked in the Tygerberg Hills, about 15km from the icy Atlantic. The Atlantic's cooling breezes allow the vines to thrive in optimal conditions for gradual ripening. Coupled with dryland irrigation – which intensifies flavours – the result is a Chenin Blanc with great concentration, balance and finesse, all underpinned by an elegant, saline minerality.
Business Upturn
10-07-2025
- Business Upturn
Sip and Savour: Enjoy a Wine Tasting Experience in Ramnagara
Ramanagara, only an hour from Bengaluru's urban hustle, reveals Karnataka's best-kept secret: blooming vineyards set against spectacular rocky terrain. This area, known for its silk manufacturing and adventure sports, has evolved into a wine lover's heaven. The particular terroir blends warm days, chilly nights, and mineral-rich soil to create wines worth savouring. Discover how Ramanagara changes weekend trips by combining rural charm with exquisite wine experiences in the rolling vine-covered hills. The Wine Heritage of Karnataka Karnataka's wine narrative started in the 1990s when pioneers discovered the region's potential for viticulture. The region's granite-rich soil, along with Ramanagara's distinctive microclimate (warm days and cool nights), produces perfect conditions for cultivating wine grapes. This diurnal temperature variance promotes taste development in varieties such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and the adaptable Bangalore Purple. Over three decades, Karnataka has grown from experimental vines to India's second-largest wine producer. Government programs supporting wine tourism have transformed the industry since 2007 by creating wine routes and events to highlight regional vintages. Today, Ramanagara represents Karnataka's successful wine journey. Top Vineyards to Visit in Ramanagara Ramanagara's gorgeous setting has become home to several great vineyards, each providing distinct wine experiences set against a magnificent granite hill backdrop. Domaine Sula (Sula Vineyards' Karnataka Winery) The top wine destination in Karnataka is Domaine Sula, which combines the renowned knowledge of Sula with the rich soils of Ramanagara. Wine fans enjoy guided tours that uncover the secrets behind their award-winning wines. From crisp whites to strong reds, the vineyard produces superb wines that represent the region's terroir. The property has gorgeous architecture that matches the surrounding scenery, and tasting rooms overlook endless vine rows. Seasonal wine harvesting and food pairing seminars on weekends. Booking online car rentals ensures a stress-free journey from Bangalore to this premier vineyard. Heritage Winery (Kādu Wines) Heritage Winery stands out for its Kādu wines, which are India's first 'Wine for a Cause' to fund tiger conservation efforts. Each bottle helps to safeguard Karnataka's wild tigers, so every sip counts. Their trademark wines are the powerful Shiraz and delicate Sauvignon Blanc types that have received great praise. The winery's historical tour includes tours through the gorgeous vineyards and production buildings. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings of six different wines while learning about conservation efforts. The event concludes with a three-course lunch comprising European and Indian cuisine. Access to this hidden gem becomes convenient with a reliable car on rent in Bangalore. Ranch at Big Banyan Vineyard & Resort With its stunning vineyard-resort mix, The Ranch elevates wine tasting into a full-day vacation. The vineyard focuses on handcrafted small-batch wines, assuring excellence in every bottle. Live music complements wine tastings on weekends, creating a joyful vibe. Their restaurant delivers organic food that enhances wine tastes. The neighbouring historic Big Banyan Tree provides natural beauty to your visit. Many wine lovers use online car rentals to tour this vineyard at their leisure, often extending their vacation to take in sunset views over the vine-covered hills. The Wine Tasting Experience A wine-tasting experience in Ramnagara is an engaging journey through flavours, scents, and tales rooted in the local soil. Most vineyards greet visitors with a guided tour of their facilities, which often begins with a stroll around the vineyard itself. You'll learn about grape farming, harvesting, and the winemaking process. The tasting normally consists of sampling many varietals, ranging from crisp whites to robust reds, each accompanied by professional comments regarding taste notes and origins. Tips for Wine Tasting Etiquette for Beginners People unfamiliar with wine tasting should first observe a few basic etiquette tips: Prevent hand heat by holding the wine glass by the stem. Start with lighter wines, then move to stronger ones. Swirl gently to unleash the wine's aromas. Sniff the wine before drinking to enjoy its fragrance. Take modest sips and allow the wine to linger to fully enjoy its richness. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or cologne since they might mask the wine's fragrance. Food Pairings Commonly Offered with Local Wines To elevate the tasting experience, several vineyards provide specially designed food pairings. Cheese, olives, nuts, and regionally inspired meals are often served to complement the wine's character. Some restaurants also provide traditional Karnataka starters or fresh bread to highlight the intricacies of their signature blends. Best Times to Visit for Optimal Experiences The best time to go wine tasting in Ramnagara is between December and March, when the weather is favourable and the vineyards are active after harvest. Booking a car on rent in Bangalore for a pleasant and beautiful trip to this countryside gem will help to simplify the journey. Wrapping Up Wine tasting in Ramnagara is most enjoyable when you do not have to bother about driving or navigating. Savaari Car Rentals provides dependable cars for rent, with skilled chauffeurs to manage the roads, while you drink, enjoy, and explore at your leisure. Book a comfortable ride now to make your wine tour genuinely memorable. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
The South African
08-07-2025
- The South African
Dreaming of Greece? These 5 Western Cape towns might be better
Greece is the fantasy: whitewashed walls, cobalt seas, sunlit terraces, grilled seafood and ancient ruins. But before you spend a fortune chasing that Aegean dream, consider this: the Western Cape has its own slices of Mediterranean magic, often for a fraction of the cost and crowd. These five towns offer a unique blend of Greek island vibes with a distinctly South African twist. Here's where to go instead… Paternoster Beach, Western Cape. Image: canva White-walled cottages. Azure skies. A windswept coastline. Sound familiar? Paternoster, a tiny West Coast fishing village, feels like it was teleported straight from the Cyclades. The town's minimalist architecture and soft colour palette scream 'Greece,' but with the wild Atlantic replacing the Aegean. Here, lobster replaces calamari, and instead of ouzo, it's a crisp Chenin Blanc in your glass. Plus, no crowds elbowing for sunset views. Kalk Bay Harbour. Image: canva Greece has Hydra. South Africa has Kalk Bay. Both are artistic, salty little ports where time slows down and cats lounge in sun-drenched corners. But Kalk Bay brings its own flavour: laid-back surfers, quirky antique stores, and world-class fish and chips right on the harbour. The rugged cliffs and old-world charm are just as photogenic as anything in the Saronic Gulf, and the train rolling past the sea only adds to the romance. Knysna, Western Cape. Image: canva If you mixed Greece's Ionian islands with a coastal rainforest, you'd get Knysna. With its dramatic lagoon, dense forests, and sandstone cliffs, Knysna's beauty hits hard and fast. Instead of olive groves, think milkwood forests. Instead of feta and tomato, think oysters and wild herbs. It's quieter than Mykonos and a hell of a lot greener, but just as dreamy. Views of the Karoo from Prince Albert. Image: canva Hear us out. Greece isn't all beach. There are stark, sun-bleached islands like Naxos and Milos: hot, dry, minimalist. That's where Prince Albert comes in. Nestled at the foot of the Swartberg mountains, it's a slow, soulful town where whitewashed homes, stone streets, and a searing sun offer the same elemental simplicity. Swap the Greek Orthodox chapels for Cape Dutch gables and you've got a Karoo version of the Cyclades. Sunset in St. Helena Bay. Image: wikimedia commons The Greek islands are beautiful, yes. But they're not exactly secret. If you're chasing peace, St. Helena Bay is your fix. The bay curves like a sheltering arm, the water is calm, and the sunsets are god-tier. It's not flashy or busy. It's honest, clean, and uncluttered, like the Greece you imagine but rarely find. And the seafood? Still straight off the boat. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Wall Street Journal
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
California Chenin Blanc Is Back, And Now Is the Time to Buy
Grapes regularly fall in and out of favor among winemakers and growers. Chenin Blanc fell so far in California, it practically dropped off the winemaking map. In 1991 there were just under 31,000 acres of Chenin in the state; by 2024 the total had slipped to just over 4,000. Now, thanks to a band of impassioned vintners, California Chenin is back. The best Chenins I tasted for this column were some of the most memorable California wines I've tasted this year.
The Herald
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Happy Drink Chenin Day and cheers to SA's world recognised cellarmaster
It's international Drink Chenin Day on Saturday, so why not celebrate what is fast becoming a flag bearer for the quality and versatility of SA winemaking with a local winemaker recognised as one of the world's best 100 winemakers? Spier in Stellenbosch makes numerous variations of chenin blanc from this 'nimble grape', and two of these earned cellarmaster Johan Jordaan a place as one of only three South Africans in the 2025 Master Winemaker 100 list by influential industry magazine The Drinks Business. Jordaan was also named the Global Chenin Blanc Master Winemaker, having earned Master medals for both Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022 and Spier Good Natured Chenin Blanc 2023. This is the highest accolade in the annual series of global Masters competitions, each focused on a specific varietal or wine style. The Loire Valley in France is the historic home of chenin blanc, making world-renowned wines, so both Spier and the SA wine industry can be justifiably proud that we claimed four out of the six Master medals awarded, two of them for Spier, while France managed just one despite dominating the overall awards table. Chenin blanc is the most widely planted grape in SA, with the earliest records of it in local vineyards dating back to 1655. It was long known as the 'workhorse grape' for its vigorous growth and high yields, making it the backbone of generic 'dry white' blends and the base wine for distilling brandy. It has come into its own over the last decade or so, its versatility producing sparkling and dessert wines, easy drinking fruity dry wines, and the premium wines that have put SA chenin on the world stage — often wooded, or in innovative blends, and especially those made from sought-after old vines. SA has become known for its pioneering Old Vine Project, which seeks to preserve heritage vineyards and certifies those 35 years and older, a large proportion of them chenin, heralded for their lower yields, intense flavour concentration and the balance of freshness and complexity in the wines. Jordaan says 'chenin is a wine built in layers from vineyard to bottle', and it's those layers of complex flavours you'll find in the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc 2022 (±R300 in local retail), made from certified old vines planted in 1983. Jordaan says he thinks of this as a single varietal wine made like a blend — the grapes picked in five different parcels, for different ripeness levels, and then fermented in different sizes of French oak barrels, for varying levels of oak influence that can be blended for the final wine, then matured for up to 12 months in barrel. The wine balances youthful freshness with luscious complexity and texture, clean fruit purity in its peaches and pears, layered with deeper dried fruit and citrus rind flavours, woven with light spiciness and fresh acidity. Beautifully drinkable now, Jordaan says the nuanced flavours will develop further with ageing up to 10 years. With its luscious body and texture, tempered by fresh acidity, it's a white wine that works well with rich flavours such as pork belly with crispy caramelised crackling, duck breast with honey and spices, or a subtle curry. Spier's other Master medal went to the Good Natured Chenin Blanc 2023 (±R100), from the estate's organic range — also from older vines up to 15 years old, in vineyards managed to international organic certification standards, with bees, bugs, birds and cover crops acting as nature's pest and weed control and fertiliser. A super, easy everyday drinking wine, with abundant citrus, apple and stone fruit aromas moving into juicy exotic flavours of lychee and pineapple, fresh and zesty with a bright finish. Enjoy it solo or with fish and chips, Thai-style noodles or an avo and smoked chicken or smoked salmon salad. Happy Chenin Day!
