FOOD & WINE PAIRINGS
Durbanville Hills
Collectors Reserve“ The Cape Mist” Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Retail price: R160
An abundance of grapefruit and blackcurrant on the nose, supported by flavours of ripe green fig and a whisper of asparagus. On the palate it is full-bodied, complex and beautifully balanced – a concentrated bowl of tropical fruit lifted by fresh, zesty green notes.
Pairs with the recipe on p35 Honey & Pepper Pork Stir-Fry
Durbanville Hills
Collectors Reserve“ The Cape Garden” Chenin Blanc 2024 Retail price: R160
This chenin blanc is a tribute to Cape Town ' s historic Company ' s Garden, where the Cape ' s first chenin blanc vines were planted. Pale yellow with green-tinged edges, it offers a rich, creamy nose of biscuit, summer melon, almond and yellow citrus, leading into a full, concentrated palate where well-integrated wood spice frames bright citrus and pineapple.
Pairs with the recipe on p85 Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs
Durbanville Hills
Collectors Reserve“ The Lighthouse” Merlot 2023 Retail price: R175
Dark red with paler red edges, this Merlot has signature notes of mint and red cherry. It offers abundant aromas of plum lifted by hints of mint, vanilla and pencil shavings, before opening into a full-bodied, elegant palate of ripe red fruit with a lingering leathery finish.
Pairs with the recipe on p79 Creamy Beef & Parmesan Linguine
Durbanville Hills
Collectors Reserve“ The High Noon” Shiraz 2023
Retail price: R175
This shiraz announces itself with equal flair, pouring a deep ruby red with a nose of roasted black pepper, toffee, ripe plum and prune, and sweet oriental spice. The palate is elegant and fullbodied, with hints of vanilla, well-integrated oak spice and red fruit that lingers long on the finish.
Pairs with the recipe on p81 Traditional South African Bobotie
30 | Winter 2026 • essentialflavours. co. za