FOOD & WINE PAIRINGS
Avondale
Cyclus White Blend 2021 Retail price: R445
A blend of Roussanne, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, and Semillon grapes, this hits you with a gorgeously rich nose of violets, peach, and frangipani, extends to a palate with intense notes of pear, golden apple, spicy apricot, and hints of clementine, then winds down to a creamy, long-structured finish with beautiful minerality.
Pairs with the recipe on p90 Lemon & Date One Pot Chicken Casserole
Neil Ellis
Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Retail price: R295
An intense dark colour. The nose shows restraint, with subtle aromas of blackberry, liquorice and cedar notes. The palate is tight and fresh followed by fine, dense tannins. This is a wine built to last. For early drinking, this cab sav would benefit with decanting.
Pairs with the recipe on p80 Creamy Biltong Soup
Le Grand Domaine
Grand Vin de Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot 2021 Retail price: R325
This dense, opaque wine has beautiful perfumed notes of fresh violets that melt away to ripe, intense notes of crème de cassis, blueberry crumble and plum. This wine has gravitas, intensity and a presence without being heavy or overpowering. A remarkable synergy between these two cultivars creates a seamless integration of oak spice and oak tannin entwined with the cab sav’ s masculinity and the feminine Merlot, adding real depth and complexity.
Pairs with the recipe on p40 Brandy Caramelised Pork Wellington
Pairs with the recipe on p52 Whole-Baked Yellowtail, Cape Med-Style
82 | Winter 2026 • essentialflavours. co. za
Neil Ellis
Way of Flowers Cinsault Rosé 2025
Retail price: R150
A dry, Provence-style rosé made from Cinsault. Bright, with a salmon hue and low alcohol content, it’ s still substantial in taste and texture. The mesmerising soft peachy-pink tint grabs attention at first glance, after which a bright bush of juicy cherry fruit fills out the palate. Floral and spicy notes linger in the background, along with the slightest tang of sea salt. Enjoy this exuberant rosé on its own – well-chilled – or with an endless variety of culinary complements.