I love the fact that “Wine” has become such an integral part of what I write about on Inspired Living. One of my favourite things is discovering new wines and while I know that it is unrealistic to think that I will enjoy everything I try, there are very few South African wines, which I find unpalatable. A recent wine discovery I made, is Kat met die Houtbeen, from Hermanuspietersfontein Wines.
Hermanuspietersfontein Wines
For those unfamiliar with Hermanuspietersfontein Wines, they hail from the gorgeous Hemel En Aarde Valley, in the Overberg. I had my first taste of their “Bloos” at the HPF Markie {Market}, held in The Village every Saturday morning. The “Markie” is the perfect place for food and wine lovers to meet. You will find everything from a classic breakfast, confectionaries, cheeses, cured meats, olives, bread, fresh fruit and veg; to freshly shucked oysters, abalone, fish ‘n chips, mussels, sashimi; dim sum, artisanal pies, and fresh fruit and veg. There is also tea and coffee and freshly made fruit juices on offer. More importantly though is the free wine tasting, wine by the glass and bottle or carafe.
Kat met die Houtbeen
As I have mentioned on a few occasions Sauvignon Blanc is not my favourite varietal. I think this is mainly because I find many of the Sauvignon Blancs on the market tend to be very “green”, is style and overly acidic. I have actually developed more of a palate for Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc of late. All these facts made trying Kat met die Houtbeen for the first time rather exciting.
The name “Kat met die Houtbeen” is Afrikaans and translated means “Cat with the Wooden Leg”
From The Vine
Kat met die Houtbeen, from HPF, is a wood matured Sauvignon Blanc wine, with a splash of Semillon. First fermentation, takes place in 1st, 2nd and 3rd fill 500ltr French oak barrels and will then spend a further 12 months in the bottle pre-release. Kat met die Houtbeen has an ageing potential of 5 years or more.
In Your Glass
On the nose, you will find aromas of dried apricot, subtle oak and minerality. The wine yields a complex structure, with a rich, elegant texture. Both the fact that the Sauvignon Blanc is wood-matured and the addition of Semillon contribute to the well-developed structure and textured complexity. Even though, Kat me die Houtbeen is wooded you still get freshness on the palate from the Sauvignon Blanc grape, with a smooth, creamy finish.
If you are not a fan of the traditional green style of Sauvignon Blanc, I highly recommend you give this wine a swirl I think you will be delighted.
Food and Wine
My first choice is to pair this wine with seafood but I do think that it could stand up to fairly strong, spicy flavours. As it is summer I would serve Kat met die Houtbeen with a deliciously fresh and vibrant Seafood Ceviche or a simply grilled Salmon Fillet, served with seasonal vegetables. If you wanted to spice things up, then serve with Asian Style Roast Duck and Sauteed Red Cabbage.
Details and Pricing
You can find HPF at 17 Village Lane, The Village, Hemel en Aarde, Hermanus, 7200 South Africa. For enquiries call +27 28 316 1875. Kat met die Houtbeen 2014 is available online from Hermanuspietersfontein Wines RRP R165.00
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Disclosure
I was sent a complimentary bottle of wine, by Hermanuspietersfontein Wines, for review purposes. All opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
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