We’ve all been to marriage ceremonies where we’ve thought, ‘This is the perfect fit – a marriage made in heaven’. Last week I was honoured to witness the coming together of the masterful culinary creations from South Africa’s top restaurant, The Test Kitchen, and some exceptionally fine wine from world-reknowned estate Nederburg . Coupled with great company and heartfelt story-telling, I couldn’t have imagined a more fitting marriage!
Nederburg Wines
Both partners hardly need any introduction here. Nederburg is the sole South African winery featured in the esteemed Drinks International ‘World’s Most Admired Wine Brands’ top 50 list this year, in 36th position. Global marketing manager, Lynette Lambrechts says: “We are extremely proud of Nederburg’s stellar performance, moving up an incredible 13 places in Drinks International’s top 50 ‘World’s Most Admired Wine Brands’ list. The winery has performed brilliantly in the past year, also claiming the title of ‘South African Wine Producer of the Year’, as well as a trophy for the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world for its Private Bin R163 Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, at the 2016 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), and being named the 2017 Platter’s By Diners Club South African Wine Guide’s ‘Winery of the Year’.
The Test Kitchen
The Test Kitchen is still – in their humble way – reveling in the good news of November 2016. For the second time world class chef Luke Dale-Roberts cemented his position as ‘the best in the business’ with his incredible win for The Test Kitchen at the 2016 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Awards, and Sommelier Tinashe Nyamudoka, who was our host for the day, also walked away earlier at the awards ceremony with the Eat Out Wine Service Award.
The Celebration
Our experience at the Test Kitchen began in the ‘dark room’ the restaurant foyer where bubbly was served with the Test Kitchen Billionaires Shortbread, Pork Scratching & Pint of Guinness, and Peking quail sandwiches. Ambient lighting and impressive art installations complemented the dark and sophisticated mood. We were then invited into the ‘light room’, where guests are seated for the more formal aspect of the tastings. We were treated to some exceptional pairings, including:
- TTK Nicoise Salad with Nederburg Private Bin D266 Semillon 2012
- Lamb Sweetbreads, Liquorice Liver Jus, Lime Gel, Preserved Lemon & Pinenut Gremolata, with Nederburg Private Bin Grenache 2009
- Bread, milk and Honey Desert, with Nederburg Eminence Noble Late Harvest 2009
Thanks to Nederburg and the Test Kitchen for an exceptional afternoon – I’ll happily drink to this marriage!
– More on Nederburg: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube
– More on the Test Kitchen: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
* Images by myself, Leanne Botha and Jurie Senekal