New Creation Menu: A Bountyof Summertime BlessingsWith the summer holidays around the corner, it is good to knowthat Creation Wines on the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge hasjust launched a most original – and scrumptious – new pairingmenu. Titled ‘The Summertime Story of Creation’ the menushowcases the estate’s award-winning wines along with thefresh, seasonal produce from local producers in theOverberg/Overstrand region. This region of course is famed forbeing the first in South Africa to be awarded UNESCO CreativeCity status for Gastronomy in 2019.

According to Creation co-owner Carolyn Martin the new menu isabout grace and gratitude. “It’s about our deep thankfulnessto Nature, our dedicated team and our loyal clients for havingmade it possible to overcome the restrictions imposed on us byCovid-19. It’s about counting our many blessings and rewardingour clients not only with the finest of wines and seasonalfoods from our pristine region but also with the gentle,joyous ambience of our magnificent setting – creatingmemories.”

Carolyn says the title of the menu was inspired by one ofGeorge Gershwin’s most evocative compositions: ‘Summertime andthe livin’ is easy’. “I have huge admiration for Gershwin’sbrilliant composition which mixes jazz elements with AfroAmerican styles to create a benchmark within its own uniquegenre. Similarly, our Summertime Story blends amazing aromaswith irresistible flavours, titillating textures witharresting colour combinations to delight the senses and upliftthe spirit.”

The menu comprises six courses or chapters and you have achoice between canapé and small-plate portions. A charmingaspect is the colourful array of flowers used not only asvisual garnishing but also to enhance the pairings in terms ofaroma and flavour. Thus Chapter 1 pairs the delightfullyquaffable Creation Sauvignon Blanc with freshly baked zopfrolls, maize bratzeli and a superb spread of accompanimentssuch as cream cheese and homemade hummus, all beautifullypresented with beetroot flowers.

The gorgeously aromatic Creation Viognier is ideally suited tofish. Well, come Chapter 2 and like the lyrics of the song,the ‘fish are jumpin’! Just imagine the freshest, catch-of-the-day ceviche served on toasted cumin tortilla with lemonpreserve, spicy chipotle and summery honeysuckle – a matchmade in paradise!

Summertime magic is also reflected in Chapter 3 where thegolden rays of the classic Creation Reserve Chardonnay echothe sunny hues of confit duck leg served with soubise, coconutcarrot, orange and carrot flowers. And it’s not only thecolours that harmonise: the richness, the hints of citrus andthe sweet notes of the dish sing beautifully with the freshelegance of the Chardonnay.

And so the menu continues to impress. Chapter 5 offers beeffillet cooked to tender perfection with potato purée, exoticmushrooms and cranberry jus. A more delectable match for thevibrant yet velvety Creation Reserve Pinot Noir one cannotimagine.

To conclude the Summertime Story of Creation, guests aretreated to a duo of note. The irresistible raspberry chocolateparfait is served with a small glass of Creation Pinot NoirGin. Gin with dessert – why not? “Our chef adds a small amountof this gin to his parfait to create a masterful balance oftexture and flavour,” explains Carolyn. And then the localBergkäse mousse and honeycomb served with truffle oil areaccompanied by the Creation Elation MCC. The freshness of theBrut Nature with its biscuity and citrusy characteristics is aperfect counterfoil to the light fluffy mousse. Truly a grandfinale to a marvelous meal!

Creation Wines is situated 120 km southeast of Cape Town, onthe outskirts of the coastal resort of Hermanus. TheSummertime Story of Creation Pairing Menu will be served fromnow until the end of February 2021 – be sure to make areservation at reservations@creationwines.com, tel: 028 2121107.

Please specify any dietary requirements: standard, vegetarian,vegan and gluten-free options are available. The SummertimeStory menu comprises six courses and eight wines. The Small-Plate option is priced at R695 per person; the Canapé optionat R395 per person. All Creation wines are vegan friendly.

For wine orders, please go to the Creation online shop athttps://shop.creationwines.com/.