Winos Tour South Africa

Wine Club continued its international tour with a stop in South Africa this week! Wine has been produced in South Africa since the 17th century, and they're still doing a great job! Almost everything we tried was extra good, with crisp, effervescent whites and smooth, easy reds. Here's what we tried:

• Graham Beck Pinno Pinotage: This was my favorite! Pinotage is one of the most commonly planted varietals in South Africa, a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. A semi-sweet red with a nice hint of vanilla. Very drinkable.
• Goats in Villages Shiraz Pinotage: I picked this bottle up at Trader Joe's; it was fruity and smoky.

• Stellar Organics Shiraz: A peppery shiraz with an oaky, spicy finish.
• Excelsior Syrah/Shiroz: This is a great red with hints of vanilla and mocha, according to the site. 

• Royal Chenin Blanc: This white had notes of tropical fruit and honey.

• Stellar Organics Live-a-Little white: This was my favorite of the whites. It was like a happy medium between a Reisling and Chardonnay, with a delightful effervescence that I just loved.

Our hostess, Jen, went all out researching South African food. It's almost been like we're doing middle school International Day reports, and I love it. She even made this tablecloth with tissue paper forming the South African flag!

We tried a delicious cucumber zucchini salad...

and delicious bobotie, a minced meat dish covered with an egg topping.

With the bobotie, we had the traditional accompaniment, geelrys, which is yellow rice with raisins. It was spiced with turmeric, cinnamon and sugar and was SO good. It smelled amazing.

We also had a spicy green bean salad with crushed red pepper that was great, but had me fanning my face!

And we finished with melktert, or "milk tart." It is a creamy tart, similar to a custard, and Jen made the most delicious crust.

I believe our next stop is Italy, and then we'll be having a sake night!