This month the #WinePW gang is traveling across the ocean to explore Wines of South Africa. Having enjoyed many wines from this region, I am thrilled to participate and share a fun wine and food pairing.
Jennifer Martin, Vino Travels, is graciously hosting our group this month, and has procured some samples as well.
I received a wine from an unfamiliar winery, Lubanzi, but was immediately attracted to its label, and the story on the back. In 2014, two exchange students from the United States, Charles Brain and Walker Brown, began a six day, 100 mile journey to hike the Wild Coast. On their second day, a wandering dog, called Lubanzi, began following them, sticking with them the entire journey, only to disappear on their last night.
In 2016, the two returned to South Africa with a vision to start a business that would connect Americans with the country, its people, and top-notch wines. They met with over 40 producers, negotiants, and independent wine makers to source wine as a part of a larger vision they were trying to build—“a young, innovative, and socially responsible wine brand built on the concepts of collaboration & exploration, with a ‘locally run, globally minded’ mantra,” states their web site.
They partnered with The Pebble Project, a non-profit who provides health and education services to the families who work in South African vineyards, to establish a more “complete and equitable supply chain.”
2018 Lubanzi Chenin Blanc Swartland South Africa ($18): light lemon in the glass; notes of apple, peach, jasmine, ginger, and bees wax leap from the glass. The palate is fresh and lively with vibrant acidity and a long fruit-forward finish.
I paired the Chenin Blanc with Juicy Grilled Pork Chops with a Spicy Peach Glaze, grilled corn-on-the-cob, and a Peach Panzanella Salad with Burrata and Bacon. It was a perfect al fresco meal—light, crisp, a touch of sweetness from the peaches—and a great way to welcome June!
My #WinePW friends came up with great pairings as well. Check these out:
Jennifer from Vino Travels is featuring Zucchini Quiche with Raats Chenin Blanc from South Africa
Camilla from the Culinary Adventures of Camilla will be sharing “A South African Braai (Rhymes with ‘Fry’) + A Trio of Chenin Blancs”
Wendy of A Day in the Life on the Farm will feature Grilled Chicken Caesar paired with a South African Chenin Blanc
Lori of Dracaena Wines will highlight “Unlocking the Marvels of Nature Through Wine”
David of Cooking Chat shares “South African Chicken with Chakalaka and Chenin Blanc”
Deanna of Asian Test Kitchen features “South African Chenin Blanc Paired with Vietnamese Food”
Gwen of Wine Predator writes “3 Summer Wines from South Africa Shine for #CheninBlancDay #RoseDay #WinePW”
Nicole of Somm’s Table will share “A South African Pinot Feast Hamilton Russell, Tesselaarsdal, and a Glazed Pork”
Sarah of Curious Cuisinere features “South African Chutney Chicken and Chenin Blanc Pairing”
Cynthia and Pierre of Traveling Wine Profs writes “A Celebration of Wine Industry Upgrading Paired with South African Food Truck Takeout”
Pinny of Chinese Food and Wine Pairings is sharing “Spier Pinotage/Shiraz from South African Plus Sliced Lamb as Wrappers”
Jeff of Food Wine Click features “Gemaak en Gebottle Oorsprong: We’re Not in Kansas Anymore”
Linda of My Full Wine Glass highlights “Golden Wine from a Golden Land – South Africa”
Jill of L’Occasion writes “Making a Meal with Wine from South Africa”
Cindy of Grape Experiences features ” A Family Affair: South African Chenin Blanc with Scallops, Tomatoes and Pesto”
Jane of Always Ravenous writes “South African Chenin Blanc Paired with Shrimp, Scallops, and Mango Salsa”
Please join our Twitter chat tomorrow morning at 10CST using #winepw to share your love of South African wine!