WeeklySA_AdminDISTANCING: How to zoom into virtual tasting with wine glass in hand, rocking…
By Len Maseko
By nature, wine enjoyment is an experience greatly enhanced by sense of touch – in effect, being exposed to the pleasure of actually tasting the wine and being either bowled or underwhelmed by it in the end.
Fortunately, there are more truly endearing moments in the world of wine and food than dull ones. In fact, those who pilgrim to the wine shows frequently, will tell how the social distancing world we live in nowadays had truly pulled the plug on our myriad vinous adventures.
So, an invitation recently to join a virtual Pick n Pay Winemakers Table event inevitably brought home some trepidation about the joys of a Zoom tasting – in contrast with the usual tactile experience. Not entirely a new experience for me, though, having been exposed to a similar tasting for the first time in 2020. This was when the annual Winex wine show went virtual for the first time in its more than 20 years’ history – in keeping with the Covid-19 protocols requiring social distancing to prevent the spread of infections.
So, the invite from the retail chain promised that the evening would be “as easy as pouring yourself a glass of wine! Simply click on this Zoom link”. Billed for the food-and-wine pairing evening were organic winemaker Johan Reyneke of Reyneke Wines, together with chef Jonathan Moldan, who prepared “delicious canapés paired with incredible wines”.
To go with the canapés were the Reyneke Chenin Blanc 2020, Shiraz Cabernet 2020 and Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2020.
Come evening of the virtual tasting, two family members joined me for the fun experience, for which we decked the tables with requisite crockery and other finery, along with the three wines opened 15 minutes prior to the start. At starting time, the first image that rolled up was that of the affable Johan Reyneke. It was good to see him after a long time, and listen to him speak ever so passionately about the virtues of organic wines and winemaking. Pretty much to witness the thinking employed behind scenes prior the evening by chef Moldan to ensure that the canapés paired perfectly with the wines.
As it turned out, the chemistry between winemaker and chef heightened the adventure, creating a lively ambience that filled our home with a wonderful bonhomie, and hopefully pretty much at the 51 homes of other guests who were part of the virtual tasting. Pick n Pay regularly hosts these virtual tastings, featuring different winemakers, a welcome entertainment for Friday evenings.
As for the wines, the Chenin Blanc’s nose oozed with the aroma of a sweet pineapple, following through with the flavours of lemon zest and apple, and then ultimately a long, sumptuous finish eliciting an instant smacking of the lips to prolong the sensation.
Also, the red wines too sizzled with an endearing quality that is a testament to Reyneke’s unwavering passion for this genre, which is graced by a pristine palate engendered by unfettered nature’s goodness.
