GLEN Carlou wines are some of the most sought-after in South Africa.
Last week, winemaker Arco Laarman, who has been at the estate for more than a decade, brought some of his best to Durban for a food and wine pairing which took place at the Craft Trattoria restaurant in Glenashley.
On arrival we tried the Tortoise Hill white, which is Glen Carlou’s entry-level label. It is a blend of chenin blanc and chardonnay and started off the evening well.
This was served with Italian flatbreads and seasonal toppings.
Then came the sauvignon blanc with its tropical fruits and chef Brendon Newport excelled with a warm Norwegian salmon fish cake, wood-smoked mussels, pea puree and asparagus ribbons.
The chardonnay is also a good example of this variety and our glass was accompanied by wood-fired polpette di porco, stuffed with fior di latte mozzarella on homemade pappardelle. A good pairing.
As it was a coldish evening I could not wait for the red wine, a cabernet. Delicious nutty and berry flavours came bursting through and it made a good partner for the hand-rolled veal, spinach and prosciutto sausage, lamb’s liver, and saltimbocca sauce on a polenta porridge.
To finish we had one of Glen Carlou’s most acclaimed wines, the Grand Classique, with our dessert of warm chocolate fondant with homemade vanilla ice cream and spun sugar.
This five-course menu plus all the wines cost R290 and, judging by the turn-out, most people think it is well worth it.
Craft Trattoria has other food and wine and even food and beer evenings lined up.
Call the restaurant at 031 562 1951 for details.