Calling all Cabernet Franc lovers! You have patiently been waiting for almost a year and it is nearly time to celebrate this magical varietal at the fabulous Cabernet Franc Carnival.
The Carnival, now in it’s fourth year, will once again be held at scenic Avontuur Estate, between the beautiful winelands towns of Stellenbosch and Somerset West. This world-renowned Estate is known for their award-winning wines and internationally acclaimed thoroughbred stud operation, and has suitably been dubbed “The Home of Fine Wine & Fast Horses”.
On Saturday, 19 May 2018 from 11h00-16h00, 21 wineries will be on hand to show off their 100% Cabernet Francs, Cab Franc-led blends and even some Cab Franc Rosé wines. I had the pleasure of attending the Carnival last year for the first time and it is a definite highlight on any wine lover’s calendar. You do not want to miss out on tasting the magic that is Cabernet Franc from some of South Africa’s top producers.
Image courtesy of Cab Franc Carnival.
You will be spoilt for choice as the prestigious list of participating wineries include: Avontuur Estate, Chamonix, Delaire Graff, Doolhof Estate, Druk My Niet Wine Estate, Hermanuspietersfontein Wines, Holden Manz Wines, Kunjani Wines, Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate, My Wyn, Onderkloof Wine Estate, Oldenburg Vineyards, Ormonde Vineyards, Raats Family Wines, Rainbow’s End Wine Estate, Snow Mountain Wines – James McKenzie, Spookfontein Wines, The Garajeest, Vrede en Lust, Whalehaven and Zevenwacht. How amazing is that proudly South African line-up?
I was recently invited to attend the official media launch of the Cab Franc Carnival at Avontuur Estate. It was a typically warm and sunny autumn day. The views from Avontuur Estate are simply breathtaking. Majestic Table Mountain can be seen in the distance, while the thoroughbreds lazily graze in the paddocks surrounding the Estate.
Vibrant shades of red and gold leaf vines glint in the sunlight. Warmly welcomed by Michael and Phillip Taberer, owners of Avontuur Estate, and Cobie van Oort, owner of CVO Marketing and marketer for the Estate, we sipped on a light and dry Rosé, Avontuur’s Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2017, and nibbled on delicious salmon sushi whilst chatting to other invited guests.
Winemaker Jan van Rooyen took us through an informal and interesting vertical wine tasting of Avontuur Cabernet Francs. The two standouts (for me) were the Cabernet Franc 2008 and their flagship Baccarat 2008 which is a Bordeaux blend.
Jan van Rooyen with the vintage Cab Franc line-up. Image courtesy of Avontuur Estate.
Did you know? Norma Ratcliffe of Warwick Wine Estate, often referred to as ‘The First Lady’ as one of the first woman to make wine in South Africa, was the first to produce a single varietal Cab Franc. Avontuur Estate has been producing Cab Franc for 22 years!
Lovely to catch up with familiar faces – Guy McDonald and Anel Grobler.
And to meet some new ones – Brenda and Shawn from Majeka House.
The wine tasting was followed by an utterly delicious three-course Cab Franc inspired-menu. Jan and Avontuur Estate Restaurant co-owner and Chef Zunia Boucher-Myers spent a few hours tasting the old vintages to ensure the pairings work optimally without overpowering either the wine or the food. If you think you can’t pair fish and red wine, then it’s time for a rethink! My favourite dish was the Yellowtail (Green SASSI list) topped with a herbaceous crust, served with a rocket and walnut pesto dressing and topped with crispy toasted walnuts. This paired beautifully with the earthy Avontuur Estate Cabernet Franc 2011.
The Karoo Lamb chops with Cab Franc jus, roasted cauliflower and a touch of mint were a hit with my meat-loving dining companions and paired well with the Avontuur Estate Cabernet Franc 2014. Focusing on seasonal produce, beautifully presented dishes, spectacular desserts and attentive service, they offer daily specials and this is what keeps people coming back for more. Click here to see the current menu at Avontuur Estate Restaurant.
So what can you expect to enjoy at this year’s Cabernet Franc Carnival? Besides tasting and buying the amazing range of Cab Franc wines on offer (visitors can purchase wines directly from the wineries), there will be food trucks, lawn games, background music and a wide range of delicious dining options at the popular Avontuur Estate Restaurant. Experience a memorable day out at this family-owned wine and thoroughbred stud farm.
Philip Taberer pouring Cab Franc at the Carnival. Image courtesy of Cab Franc Carnival.
For those that wish to experience wine tasting in a more intimate setting, be sure to sign up for the interactive tutored tastings of the 2018 Cab Franc Challenge Top 6 wines. This forms an integral part of the Carnival and is often the only place to taste these winning wines due to small volume production. The tastings are presented by convener of the judging panel and Cape Wine Master, Christine Rudman. Tickets cost an extra R100 per person and there are a limited number of seats available per session. Session times: 11h30, 13h00 and 14h30.
Another enjoyable aspect of the Carnival is the very popular public “vote” to choose the favourite wine of the day. This will take place once more and gives an interesting perspective on the differences between expert and amateur palates.
Cab Franc vintage collection. Image courtesy of Avontuur Estate.
If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, do so now as they are selling fast! Tickets are R220 per person online and R250 at the gate, which includes the tastings, a R50 discount coupon to spend on food and a tasting glass. Buy your tickets from www.plankton.mobi
For more info and chances to WIN tickets and wine, follow them on Facebook at Cabernet Franc Carnival or on Twitter at @cabfrancarnival.
Want to avoid FOMO? Make sure you don’t miss out on being at this year’s Cab Franc Carnival. It’s going to be another amazing celebration! #cabfranccarnival
Please note – I was graciously hosted at the media launch by Avontuur Estate and Cobie van Oort Marketing. All views and images are my own unless otherwise indicated.
Yours in Travel, Food and Wine
xoxo
