AT Creation Wines on the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge there is always something new. The latest in its ever-changing repertoire is the innovative Community of Taste wine and food pairing menu.
“It is a celebration of fine wine, fine cuisine and fine people,” says Creation co-owner and creative director, Carolyn Martin. “To me, the true enjoyment of fine wine is not only in the taste. It is in discovering the place where it was grown and all the hands and hearts that went into raising a vineyard and bringing the wine to your table. It takes fine people to make and enjoy fine wines. The same applies to fine food.”
The new flexitarian menu comprises six scrumptious courses that are either plant-based or can be replaced by a plant-based option. “A meal is always more memorable when it is a multi-sensory experience,” says Carolyn, and in true Creation fashion the menu is enhanced by sensory elements from the terroir.
To tickle the taste buds is a tempting fresh seaweed appetiser served with the equally fresh Creation Rosé. The salty and umami flavours of the snack not only accentuate the minerality, but are also a striking foil for the hints of strawberry in the wine. Chapter 1 of the menu brings a double treat. The fragrant Heart Chakra Soup is perfectly paired with the mineral-rich Creation Sauvignon Blanc. This is followed by a delicious, nutritious creation of zucchini, pattypan, rocket, pine nuts and pecorino. Rich in texture, the dish is a delightful match for the multifaceted Creation Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blend.
Chapter 2 offers B’Bos trout teriyaki with pak choi and pickled daikon, attractively garnished with nasturtium. What better wine to enhance this feast of flavours than the vibrant Creation Viognier? For vegetarians, the sustainably harvested trout is replaced by tofu. A glass of the aromatic Creation Reserve Chardonnay sets the tone for Chapter 3. The richly textured dish of oyster mushroom, gochujang taco, corn, black beans and coriander finds resonance in the structure and is lifted by the freshness of the Chardonnay.
Chapter 4 showcases Creation’s flagship red cultivar in all its glory. The freshness and intensity of the velvety Creation Reserve Pinot Noir perfectly complement (and compliment!) the exquisite flavours of the confit duck, cauliflower, harissa chickpea and coconut. Chapter 5 offers a surprise of pecorino, a coffee bean dipped in dark chocolate and liquorice dust. With its umami mouth-watering deliciousness, pecorino makes the Creation Syrah Grenache shine. The coffee bean dipped in chocolate turns up the volume on texture and tannins, while the liquorice dust performs pure alchemy and creates a velvety smooth mouthfeel.
And then there’s Chapter 6 – “Sweet Temptation”. This delightfully fragrant, textured pairing combines Creation’s delectable Fine Cape Vintage with the equally delectable fig brownie, rose geranium, and pink peppercorn gelato.
“At Creation our culinary innovation is inspired by our award-winning range of cool-climate fine wines and rooted in the creativity of our talented chefs and the fresh ingredients sourced from selected local producers. We love to pamper and surprise our guests and look forward to treating them to the many delights of our Ayurveda-inspired menu,” concludes Carolyn.
Creation also offers à la carte comprising a selection of savoury and sweet dishes. Among the favourites are beef fillet, romesco, chimichurri and basil; and for the vegetarians, cauliflower soup, gorgonzola, hazelnut crisp, thyme and blueberries. The tempting dishes include sweet treats such as the apple, honey polenta cake and coconut yoghurt dessert.
There is a scrumptious breakfast menu with each dish meticulously paired with a wine. Remembering the younger ones, the children’s menu allows some creativity for building their own waffles, sweet and savoury. And for those driving, Creation offers a genuinely tempting alcohol-free pairing menu.
Creation’s community of taste menu can be enjoyed at R945pp. It is advisable to book in advance at [email protected], or call +27 28 212 1107 and specify your dietary requirements: standard, vegetarian, plant-based or pescatarian.
