Botl'z Bistro goes down under with a South African Wine Dinner featuring Van Loveren Wines and a very special guest from South Africa

We have dined many places but have never enjoyed authentic South African fair. Botl'z Bistro in Las Vegas steps up to the plate with monthly wine dinners and this month was South Africa . We jumped at the chance to have South Africa come to us.

The event was hosted by Kristen Kruger of 4Winesplusmore and South African, Jeremy Wilkenson, who is known worldwide for finding excellent boutique wines.


FIRST COURSE :

Chick Pea and Ocra Fry with Coconut Chapatis
Papillon Sparking White Wine, NV South Africa

This was our first experience with a South African Dish and we were pleased. The dish was well balanced with a nice Coconut Chapatis for added sweetness. The Papillon Sparkling White, a blend of Sauvgnon Blanc 30% , Colombard 70% provided aromas of Peach, grass and tropical fruit on the nose. The palate continued through with crispness and a just-dry finish.














SECOND COURSE :

Traditional South African Cape Kidgeree
Van Loveren Estate Chardonnay 2006, South Africa

This dish was perhaps the most interesting of the night. Its very light texture paired well with the Van Loveren Chardonnay with its citrus character. This unwooded Chardonnay provided a dry citrus palate moving into a gentle long smooth finish.



THIRD COURSE :

Cameroon Suya with Bean & Gari Loaf
Van Loveren River Red Meritage , South Africa

We were anxious to try the first meat dish . The Cameroon Suya provided a light game touch to this great authentic dish. The Van Loveren River Red , an unwooded blend of Shriaz 50% , Ruby Cabernet 20% and Merlot 30% was the best pairing of the evening. There was an upfront blast of fruit and berries on the nose and a palate that was light and smooth with soft tannins and a lingering finish.

FOURTH COURSE :

Beignets de Bananas

Van Loveren Pink Lady, Blanc de Noir Muscadell ,2005 South Africa

This dessert was one to be remembered. The Bananas prepared in this classic way were amazing The pairing of the Van Loveren Pink Lady Blanc de Noir Muscadall was a total marriage with the dish. This wonderful wine is at its peak and showed. In the glass , its color was almost rust like with a nose of strawberries and fruit coming through on the palate with a long finish. The label , which we don't normally speak about is memorable with a long stem rose running the length of the bottle.



Botl'z Bistro did a great job with this unique dinner. Jeremy Wilkenson took the guests on a journey through the wines like only a native can do. These monthly wine dinners are becoming well known and we look forward to a journey to New Zealand with Wild Rock Winery in July. For reservations and information on Botl'z Bistro call 702-804-2685.



If a trip to South Africa with Jeremy himself is something you want to experience or more more information on the wines please go to http://www.4WinesPlusmore.com .