A Rosy Future
It has been a smooth transition for all at Boschendal as we entered a new phase with DGB taking over the winery and the Kristensen Group now operating the restaurants at the Boschendal hospitality complex. Rose Day on 1st November will be a wonderful joint celebration with traditional high tea at Le Caf̩ in the morning and a special Rose Lunch at the main restaurant at midday from Tuesday to Sunday of that week. Once again Boschendal's renowned antique roses will be sold in aid of the READ Foundation and the plants can be obtained at stalls alongside the rose garden. A special item on this year's programme is a demonstration of flower arranging by Alison Prest, former floral designer for the Mount Nelson Hotel. This will take place at Boschendal Manor House between 11.30 and 12.30 and bookings can be made telephonically on 021- 870 4279.
On 12 November Boschendal Restaurant is hosting the Cape Times launch of the second novel of award-winning South African writer Ann Harris, now living in London. Watch the Cape Times closely for booking details. It is bound to be well attended and Boschendal is offering a number of prizes for lucky winners and their guests including a Moonlight Pique-Nique, meals at the Buffet Restaurant and Le Pique-Nique, as well as Vineyard Tours and wine-tasting.
Representing a cross-section of Boschendal's vineyards, Blanc de Blanc is a blend of 53% Chardonnay, 30% Chenin Blanc and 17% Sauvignon Blanc. The vines undergo rigorous pruning in winter leaving two to three shoots per hand-spaced spur and in early summer further undeveloped bunches and shoots are removed to improve grape quality. During harvest two thirds of the grapes are hand-picked during the day and the rest harvested at night to retain the delicate flavours.
The grapes are crushed and cold-settled for two days. The juice is then inoculated with locally manufactured yeast (Vin 13) and allowed to ferment at 14-16°C. Following fermentation the cultivars are blended to enhance their respective characteristics. The result is a pale straw coloured wine with enticing ripe mango and pineapple aromas on the nose and lingering, complex flavours on the palate. This average-priced white wine is an ideal accompaniment for summer food: pâté, seafood and salads.
You are welcome to try this and other Boschendal wines at our wine-tasting centre, the Taphuis, which is open every day of the week. Informal tastings cost R15 for a selection of five wines from the Boschendal range. From November onwards you'll be able to see how the grapes develop and grow on the vines by joining our Vineyard Tours. The tours leave from the Taphuis every morning at 10.30 and 11.30 and cost R20 per person. Booking is essential. (Tel: 27 + (0)21- 870 4210/1 Email: taphuis@dgb.co.za )
Wine and food
The Le Pique Nique season opened in October and we recommend you try Blanc de Blanc with the snoek pâté, caramelised onion and cashew nut pâté, lemon and herb bay potato salad and marinated veggie salad, to be found in the sumptuous picnic basket.
Le Café's new summer menu has some interesting items to serve with Blanc de Blanc: smoked salmon trout timbale, roasted beetroot and orange salad and Mediterranean quiche. And of course Boschendal Restaurant's buffet is resplendent with pâté, salads and fish dishes that go well with Blanc de Blanc!
Upcoming Events
Summer is upon us so you can once again look forward to attending the sought after Boschendal Moonlight Pique-Nique which starts with full moon on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th December 2005. Unfortunately Christmas Day luncheon is fully booked, but there are still openings for lunch and Christmas Eve dinner on the 24th - as well as for lunch on the Day of Goodwill, the 16th December. Do book now to avoid disappointment!
Reservations:
Email: reservations@boschendal.com
Tel: +27 (0) 21 870 4272/3/4/5
Fax: +27 (0) 21 874 2137
