#CathedralCellarCrescendo
Cathedral Cellar, the cherished KWV wine brand with stories, cuisine, and celebration at its core, invites you to join them in song and raise a toast to a beautiful year and the new melodies unfolding in their vineyards.
This melody is inspired by Cathedral Cellar’s unwavering belief that wine is a pure reflection of nature. Chief Winemaker, Justin Corrans, describes his role as that of a conductor between vine and barrel, saying, “If the vine provides the sheet music, then wine becomes its song. As the vines crescendo towards a new vintage, we begin to unravel and appreciate the enchanting new melodies of the upcoming harvest and the exquisite wines embedded in its rhythms.”
This festive season, Cathedral Cellar chooses to weave the stories embedded in cherries into its celebratory message. The cherry, with its crimson red hue and succulent sweetness, mirrors the warm rays of summer and has become synonymous with the festive season. It’s a time when the connection with the colour red, symbolising love, courage, and romance, intertwines with the essence of the holidays and the great South African summer holiday it represents.
A beautiful metaphor for the winemaker and the vine can be found in the Japanese practice of ‘Hanami’. The Hanami festival celebrates the arrival of cherry blossoms in Spring. Friends, family, and loved ones gather among the cherry trees to celebrate and reflect on their happy relationships. Notably, during this outdoor festival, people sing to the cherry trees—whose fleeting flowering display is seen as a symbol of the beautiful balance of life. “Sakura Sakura” (“cherry blossoms cherry blossoms”) is a traditional Japanese folk song that fills the air during this time – a gently nod to hope, recognising because life is fragile it should be celebrated even more.
For those in tune with nature, like Cathedral Cellar’s viticultural and winemaking team, the fine melodies of nature are made tangible with the evolution of grape to wine. Each vintage reflects the year’s seasons, encapsulating the natural patterns and seasonal cultivation. December marks a pivotal change in the vineyard as the weather becomes warmer, and the grapes ripen. The vineyard team meticulously prepares for the harvest, and when the grapes are ripe, they are harvested and pressed. December is the time when the year’s promise becomes visible, the crucial crescendo to harvest begins and the melody of nature intensifies.
In Cathedral Cellar’s vineyards, the enduring beauty of nature is reflected in the bounty of each grape cluster. Much like the Japanese devotion to the cherry tree, the winemaking time is dedicated to their craft and the art of winemaking. “We nurture our vines, care for them through the seasons, and watch as they transform the elements into liquid song, captured in each bottle of Cathedral Cellar wine,” says Justin.
Each bottle of Cathedral Cellar wine reveals a different song, and you are invited to listen to each: the orchestral make-up includes the multiple-awarded Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc, Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay, Cathedral Cellar Shiraz, Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, Cathedral Cellar Pinotage and the Cathedral Cellar Triptych (a red blend).
“Cathedral Cellar invites you to join us in song this festive season. The warm days provide ample opportunities to gather outside with loved ones and ‘sing along’ to nature. We are especially spoiled with holidays – particularly with the additional public holiday on the 15th of December, declared in honour of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup champions and the hope they inspired,” says Cathedral Cellar brand manager, Tanya Blokdyk.
An orchestral feast
To help food and wine lovers celebrate, Cathedral Cellar’s ambassador chef, Chef Mynhardt Joubert, has created an al fresco feast to help a gathering of friends, family, and loved ones to reflect on their happy relationships. “I love the symbolism of the cherry and how devoted people become to this tree. In the Eastern Free State, where I am from, this devotion to cherries is just as palpable – a devotion that is akin to that of a winemaker and vine,” elaborates Mynhardt.
On December 25th, immerse yourself in a culinary symphony as Chef Mynhardt orchestrates a spectacular feast complemented by the finest Cathedral Cellar wines. Set against the backdrop of the eponymous cellar in picturesque Paarl, this annual festive celebration promises an unforgettable day, encapsulating the true essence of the holiday season in a grand and memorable fashion.
Indulge in this extraordinary experience at R950 per person for adults and R650 for children. Secure your seat by reaching out to us at bookings@mynhardt.co.za, or visit www.kwv.co.za (click on ‘experience’ and ‘KWV events’).
For those unable to join us for this special occasion, bring the magic into your own home by trying your hand at these delectable recipes thoughtfully provided. Let the spirit of the season linger in your kitchen, creating cherished moments with family and friends. Cheers to a festive feast that transcends boundaries and brings joy to all!
Da Capo: Seafood Feast Symphony – paired with Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc
Begin your feast with Fresh West Coast oysters adorned with a French mignonette and the daring ‘Ex-Girlfriend’ sauce – a lively blend of Willow Creek Basil Olive Oil, fresh coriander, basil, mint, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced ginger, and a hint of heat from a deseeded green chili.
For a festive touch, relish the Salmon Mousse Terrine, a delightful starter reminiscent of classic molded terrines. Prepare it in advance and enjoy alongside oysters and calamari tentacles, which pair seamlessly with fire-roasted baguette, fresh oysters, and the exquisite Salmon Mousse Terrine. The entire seafood symphony, enriched by the Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc, promises an unforgettable experience at the intersection of flavours from the ocean and the vineyard.
Intermezzo: Zesty Greek-Style Roasted Chicken – paired with Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with Chef Mynhardt’s Zesty Greek-Style Roasted Chicken. Effortlessly prepared, this culinary gem exudes the essence of summer and can be grilled to perfection for lively gatherings. Scale up the recipe, and the leftovers transform into a sensational lemon-kissed chicken salad—a two-for-one delight. Pair it with the exquisite Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay for a complete experience.
Crescendo: Grilled Festive Fillet with Zesty Salsa Verde, served with Chef Mynhardt’s Zesty Courgette Orzo Pasta Salad and Chef Mynhardt’s Grilled Tomato and Mozzarella Medley – served with Cathedral Cellar Shiraz
Indulge in the richness of this exquisite cut of Delico fillet with its ability to generously serve a crowd when paired with complementary sides. Marinating the fillet in advance enhances its flavour, and the key is to let it rest before grilling. The result is a tantalising dish that is bound to please any gathering. Paired with hassleback potatoes and a tomato-mozzarella salad, this Grilled Festive Fillet is a celebration on a plate. Serve with Cathedral Cellar Shiraz.
Experience a twist on the classic tomato and mozzarella salad with Chef Mynhardt’s Grilled Tomato and Mozzarella Medley. A symphony of fresh, roasted, and sun-dried tomatoes, paired with creamy fior de latte mozzarella, this masterpiece is crowned with the luxurious Willowcreek Blood Orange Olive Oil and a generous sprinkle of fresh basil. For a delightful al fresco dining experience, envision the vibrant flavors of Chef Mynhardt’s Zesty Courgette Orzo Pasta Salad. Crafted with seasonal and affordable ingredients, this dish caters to a large crowd, ensuring a symphony of taste and flavor. Personalise it with fresh herbs or a touch of grilled artichokes for a unique twist.
Ritardando: Chef Mynhardt’s famous festive fruit cake, served with Blueberry and Lavender Ice Cream with Pinotage Berry Sauce.
Indulge in the perfect pairing of Chef Mynhardt’s festive fruit cake and homemade Blueberry and Lavender Ice Cream with Pinotage Berry Sauce. This easy-to-make ice cream requires no fancy gadgets, offering a decadent touch to your dessert lineup. Picture the delightful combination on a dessert platter with slices of the timeless Decadent Christmas Fruit Cake. Rooted in tradition and simplicity, this cake, passed down through generations, delivers rich flavors, making it a festive favorite that can be prepared well in advance. It’s a treat that leaves everyone wanting more.
Keep an eye on this website and my Instagram account; I will share all these delicious recipes soon!
Join the conversation on @KWV_CathedralCellar
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