A SENSE OF PLACE
We are all influenced by our environment – where we come from helps mould us into the person we are today. I often wonder what my life would look like if I hadn’t grown up in Middelburg. If I hadn’t spent all those hours lying in my garden gazing at the sky dreaming of my future and looking forward to exploring beyond my small town. Would I still be opening my fourth JAN restaurant if I hadn’t spent so much time in my grandmother’s kitchen, tasting and stirring and experiencing the joy that comes from sharing food you’ve created with family and friends?
In many ways, I guess, we are like a good wine, shaped by our terroir and our roots. In the same way that the dishes that I serve in my restaurants are shaped by and reflect my South African heritage, so too is the wine that we serve. Each is carefully selected because it has the ability to capture the very essence of the rich earth and mountain slopes of its origin. Like Stellenzicht Wines. The wine estate, nestled in the picturesque Stellenbosch region of South Africa – the same place where I trained as a chef – is renowned for its commitment to producing exceptional wines that capture the essence of its terroir. Thanks to Stellenzicht’s unshakeable focus on sustainability and quality, they have become a leading name in the wine industry, known for crafting wines that reflect the natural beauty and biodiversity of the land.
Among its distinguished offerings is one of Restaurant JAN’s most-loved pours, Stellenzicht Cap Classique, a sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay that embodies elegance, complexity, and finesse. It’s the perfect companion for a celebratory meal out and is distinguished by its vibrant aromas, carrying notes of fresh citrus, green apples, and brioche. With every sip, lively bubbles dance on the palate, delivering vivacious flavours of citrus zest, underscored by a creamy backdrop of minerality. The extended bottle maturation on lees lends the wine richer notes of toasted bread, yeast, and a hint of butterscotch, offering depth and complexity that lingers long after the wine is enjoyed. It is a classic example of South Africa’s Cap Classique style and showcases a deep respect for the land and its magnificent offerings.
But the roots of Stellenzicht Cap Classique’s journey begins at dawn in the vineyards, where the Chardonnay grapes are carefully hand-harvested to ensure they retain their freshness and natural acidity. Harvesting at lower sugar levels is key to producing a wine with a crisp, lively character.
The final result of each careful process of harvesting, fermentation and bottling is a refined Cap Classique that truly captures the essence, not only of Stellenzicht’s winemaking expertise, but the earth from which this bounty was borne. From the first sip, you experience Stellenzicht Cap Classique’s true sense of place and feel a connection to the region’s rich winemaking heritage. Let’s raise a glass to home and all the experiences that shape us.
