FOOD & WINE PAIRINGS
Balance Wines
Winemaker’ s Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2025 Retail price: R85
Balance Winemaker ' s Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2025 is a full-bodied, dry Western Cape white with a fine integration of tropical fruit and fig lifted by crisp minerality. This one won Gold at the 2024 Gold Wine Awards – no cap.( That’ s Zoomer-speak for“ For real ").
Pairs with the recipe on p55 Salt & Pepper Calamari With Herbaceous Aioli
Le Grand Domaine
The Pledge Appassimento Pinotage 2025
Retail price: R185
The deep garnet of The Pledge reveals concentrated aromas of blackberry compôte. Seamless tannins sculpt a lingering palate filled with a luxurious tapestry of dark fruit delicacies drawing to a beautiful finish of oak nuances and sweet persisting flavours.
Pairs with the recipe on p75 Shakshuka with Spicy Lamb Sausages
Survivor Wines
Terroir Syrah 2023 Retail price: R215
This Syrah boasts a captivating deep red hue and an enticing bouquet of cracked black peppercorns, coriander, plums, and bramble berries, accented by subtle notes of liquorice and oak spice. On the palate it reveals a full-bodied character, enveloping the senses with a velvety texture that elegantly persists. The finish leaves a memorable impression of fynbos and freshly squeezed pomegranate.
Pairs with the recipe on p37 Stuffed Pork Fillet
Cape Point Vineyards
Noordhoek Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Retail price: R218
This sav blanc exhibits a fresh coastal style, combining elements of white grapefruit and a touch of floral fynbos. The ocean seems to dance in your glass, with notes of nori, oyster shells, and a fresh misty sea breeze transporting you directly to Noordhoek’ s beautiful beach. The palate reveals elegant layers of fruit with a steely minerality that’ s rounded out by a fresh and lively acidity, lengthening the finish.
72 | Winter 2026 • essentialflavours. co. za
Pairs with the recipe on p51 Konkan-Style Prawn Curry