A classic is classic for a reason – it works! And in the wine world there are few things more classic than Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Although styles and tastes differ, a combination of these two wines for your Christmas table should be second to none.
Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche and Chef Michelle Theron explain why.
La Motte Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche
“La Motte’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic example of a South African Cabernet Sauvignon. Expect flavours of wild berries, tomato leaf, cedar, cinnamon spice, dark chocolate and truffle on the nose. The wine is full-bodied with a firm structure, but with fine tannins and a pleasantly dry aftertaste. This style of Cabernet Sauvignon also matures exceptionally well – at least until 2024 – and will be a treasured gift!
All the grapes for the 2012 La Motte Chardonnay were harvested on the estate and this elegant wine is an exceptional example of how suitable the terroir of the Franschhoek Valley is for this traditional variety. The combination of tropical and citrus fruit guarantees freshness, while the cashew nut flavours on the background and the subtle oak-derived aromas ensure complexity, making this an exceptional white wine for the dinner table.”
Chef Michelle Theron
Chef Michelle Theron of Pierneef à La Motte Restaurant loves tradition and is planning to pair these two classic favourites with what’s on her dinner table this Christmas.
“I love the 2011 La Motte Cabernet Sauvignon with leg of lamb, especially when cooked with fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme. You can’t get a much more classic combination than that! This Cabernet Sauvignon does, however, also work well with the intense flavour of some strong cheeses such as a well-matured Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère and even Stilton – do try it with your late night cheese platter!
The 2012 vintage of the La Motte Chardonnay is so versatile! It complements the exotic flavours of caviar, snails, Carpaccio, crayfish, prawns, mussels and abalone, but it works just as well with the more everyday roast chicken and egg-based dishes such as quiche, omelettes and Eggs Benedict. If you ever needed and excuse to have wine with breakfast…”
Make a classic choice this Christmas and spoil friends and family with a combination of food and wine that will have them talking right through the new year!
