A Symphony of South African Flavors: SA Wine Traders & Azul

The elegant, tree-lined avenues of Xuhui, Shanghai, buzzed with a unique energy. Inside Azul, a vibrant Latin venue nestled amidst the district’s charming blend of old-world architecture and modern sophistication, a special evening was unfolding. SA Wine Traders, in collaboration with Azul, had orchestrated a South African wine tasting, a carefully curated journey through eight exceptional red and rosé bottles, designed to captivate the discerning palates of Shanghai’s wine enthusiasts.

The fusion of cultures was palpable. The warm, inviting ambiance of Azul, with its vibrant Latin rhythms and richly textured décor, provided a striking contrast to the elegant presentation of South African wines. This cultural exchange, a meeting of the Cape’s vineyards and Shanghai’s cosmopolitan spirit, created an atmosphere of refined excitement.

Guests, a mix of Shanghai’s international community, local wine aficionados, and curious newcomers, gathered, their conversations a blend of Afrikans, English, and the universal language of wine appreciation. The event was meticulously planned, with each bottle presented as a chapter in the story of South Africa’s winemaking heritage.

Firstly, Azul offered a few finger food that was innovative, delicious and well prepared.

Photos by Azul

• Beef Tartare:

  A classic, finely chopped raw beef, expertly seasoned. Imagine delicate, savory notes, perhaps with a hint of capers or a subtle mustard dressing. This would provide a rich, umami counterpoint to the bolder red wines, especially the Pinotages and Shiraz.

• Tuna Tartare:

  Fresh, diced tuna, prepared with a light, vibrant marinade. Think citrus notes, perhaps lime or yuzu, and a touch of soy sauce or sesame oil. This would pair beautifully with the crisp rosés and the lighter red wines, offering a refreshing seafood element.

• Refreshing Watercress Salad with Squid and Watermelon:

  A dynamic combination of textures and flavors. The peppery bite of watercress, the tender chew of squid, and the sweet, juicy burst of watermelon. This salad would be a perfect palate cleanser, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the wines. The saltiness of the squid would also enhance the fruit forward wines.

• Interesting Fresh Bread Flavored with Seaweed, Chili, and More with Butter:

  A unique and intriguing bread offering. The savory umami of seaweed, the gentle heat of chili, and the richness of butter. This bread would provide a delightful textural contrast and a complex flavor profile, enhancing the enjoyment of both the red and rosé wines. The seaweed and butter would work well with the richer pinotage wines.

• Fried Shrimp:

  Crispy, golden-brown fried shrimp, likely seasoned with a blend of Latin spices. The crunchy texture and savory flavor would provide a satisfying contrast to the smoothness of the wines. This would also pair well with the rosé wines.

Photos by SA Wine traders

The combination of these dishes would create a diverse and engaging culinary experience, perfectly complementing the South African wine tasting. The fresh, vibrant flavors of the seafood and salads would balance the richness of the red wines, while the savory beef tartare and flavorful bread would enhance the wines' complex aromas and flavors.

The tasting began with Carmen Stevens Chenin Blanc 2024: A vibrant and approachable introduction to South African white wine, the Carmen Stevens Chenin Blanc 2024 bursts with fresh orchard fruit and a crisp, clean finish. Crafted with a focus on capturing the essence of the grape, this vintage is a testament to Carmen Stevens' dedication to quality and accessibility.

Photos by SA Wine traders

Mooiplaas Bush Vine Chenin Blanc 2023: Delve deeper into the character of Chenin Blanc with the Mooiplaas Bush Vine 2023. Grown on mature, untrellised vines, this wine exhibits a richer texture and concentrated flavors. Expect notes of ripe stone fruit, honeyed nuances, and a distinct minerality, reflecting the unique terroir of the Mooiplaas estate.

Carmen Stevens Sauvignon Blanc 2024: For a crisp, refreshing experience, the Carmen Stevens Sauvignon Blanc 2024 delivers. This wine showcases the classic characteristics of South African Sauvignon Blanc, with vibrant aromas of gooseberry, passionfruit, and freshly cut grass. Its zesty acidity and lively palate make it a perfect pairing for seafood or light salads.The sommelier explained the meticulous process of crafting this rosé, emphasizing the importance of gentle pressing and cool fermentation to preserve its delicate character.

Next, Carmen Stevens julie Rosé, 2024: She is more than just a pretty pink wine; it's a celebration of both exceptional winemaking and a remarkable legacy. Crafted by Carmen Stevens, South Africa's pioneering Black female winemaker, this rosé embodies her passion for producing wines that are both approachable and exquisitely made. The 2024 vintage, named "Julie," promises a refreshing and vibrant experience, capturing the essence of sun-drenched South African vineyards. Expect a delightful dance of fresh red berries and subtle floral notes, all balanced by a crisp, lively acidity.

Next, the reds took center stage. The first, a Pinotage, sparked immediate interest. Guests, many unfamiliar with South Africa’s signature grape, were intrigued by its unique profile of smoky berries, earthy notes, and hints of spice. The sommelier shared the story of Pinotage’s origin, a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, and its growing popularity in international markets. Below are some information of the Pinotage tasted:

1. Kumusha Pinotage 2023:

• Style: Kumusha, meaning "home" or "origins" in Shona, aims to express the authentic character of South African terroir. This Pinotage is likely crafted to be approachable and fruit-forward.

• Tasting Notes: Expect vibrant red fruit aromas like raspberries and cherries, with subtle hints of plum and a touch of spice. The 2023 vintage, being relatively young, should showcase fresh fruit flavors. You might find a gentle smokiness or earthy undertones, characteristic of Pinotage. The tannins should be soft to medium, making it a versatile and easy-drinking red.

2. Diemersfontein "The Original" Pinotage 2021:

• Style: Diemersfontein is renowned for its "coffee Pinotage" style, a result of specific winemaking techniques. "The Original" is their flagship Pinotage.

• Tasting Notes: This wine is known for its distinctive mocha, coffee, and dark chocolate aromas, layered over ripe plum and blackberry fruit. The 2021 vintage will have had time to integrate its flavors, leading to a smoother, more complex profile. Expect a rich, full-bodied palate with velvety tannins and a lingering coffee-infused finish.

3. Diemersfontein Pinotage Reserve 2020:

• Style: The Reserve bottling represents Diemersfontein's premium Pinotage, with grapes sourced from select vineyard blocks and aged for a longer period.

• Tasting Notes: Building upon the "coffee Pinotage" style, the Reserve 2020 will offer greater depth and complexity. Expect intense aromas of dark chocolate, espresso, and black cherries, with subtle oak spice and vanilla notes from aging. The palate will be powerful and concentrated, with well-integrated tannins and a long, elegant finish. This is a wine designed for aging and savouring.

4. Diemersfontein Shiraz 2020:

• Style: Diemersfontein also produces Shiraz, offering a different expression of South African red wine. The 2020 vintage will have benefited from time in the bottle.

• Tasting Notes: Expect a richly aromatic Shiraz with notes of dark berries, black pepper, and subtle spices. You might find hints of violets and licorice. The 2020 vintage will have developed complexity, with softened tannins and a smooth, integrated palate. The finish should be long and savory, with lingering spice and fruit flavors. This is a good example of a warmer climate South African Shiraz.

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