Tsogo Sun shows off wine auction haul in intimate wine tasting

Miguel Chan and Garth Shnier

The Auction Wine Tasting event in the vast kitchen at Sandton Sun introduced a selection of the wines to food and wine aficionados and created awareness around the spectacular auction wines that are on offer at selected Tsogo Sun restaurants and hotels.

A modern take on cheese and wine

The event paired wines hand-picked and introduced by group sommelier Miguel Chan with a modern take on cheese and wine, courtesy of executive chef of Tsogo Sun’s Sandton Mile, Garth Shnier.

On the cold menu was Fleur du Cap Unfiltered Semillon 2009 paired with pea and whipped feta espuma and buckwheat cracker shards; Nederburg Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc Semillon paired with mascarpone and roasted asparagus panciotti, confit plum tomatoes, and cured smoked pork neck; Almenkerk Chardonnay 2012 and Uitkyk Chardonnay 2009 paired with Smoked kwaito cheese and mushroom cheesecake and mushroom potage.

The hot menu featured Eikendal Merlot 2011 paired with parmesan, Gruyère and sesame beignet and aged beef carpaccio; Nederburg Private Bin R 181 Merlot 2006 paired with chèvre and beetroot pannacotta and anise basted duck breast; Stellenrust Chenin Blanc 2012 paired with truffle and gorgonzola soufflé and apple and celery gazpacho; Bayede 7 Icon Chenin Blanc 2012 paired with sweet pepper Emmental cheese and lobster rissoles.

The dessert menu included Boplaas Cape Tawny Reserve 1995 paired with parmesan ice cream, caramelised onion crisps, choux pastry swans, blue cheese and pecan nut frangipane tarts, camembert and baby apple tarte Tatin, and panko fried apricot blue cheese.

Says Miguel Chan, “The South African wines we select at auctions showcase the exceptional care and effort that winemakers have put in to produce great wines, which in turn echoes our approach to our world-class food and beverage offering throughout the group. Our auction wines will continue to add something special to every occasion – and we look forward to sharing them with our guests.”

Tsogo Sun took top honours the third consecutive year for wines purchased by a single bidder at the 2016 auctions. The wines are available at selected Tsogo Sun hotels and restaurants and for purchasing from Café Cru at Montecasino in Johannesburg via their off sales license.