WE ALL COME FROM SOMEWHERE
A Sip of Syrah and a Bite of Biltong
In the heart of South Africa’s Kouebokkeveld region is Op die Berg, where winters bring snow-dusted landscapes and the summer sun bakes the soil. Here lay the vines for De Grendel’s Op die Berg Syrah. Paired with a reimagined South African classic—the biltong lamington—it creates an extraordinary sensory experience, uniting landscapes and flavours.
The Terroir Behind De Grendel Op die Berg Syrah
Op die Berg, north of Ceres, offers a climate like no other in South Africa. Nights often dip below freezing, while days enjoy a revitalising warmth, striking a delicate balance that nurtures the vines through a delicate ripening. This continental climate, with its dramatic temperature swings, or diurnal shifts, imbues the Syrah grapes with vibrant character and complexity.
The Op die Berg Syrah reflects this terroir with elegance. Its bright fruit notes and refined structure are unmistakably shaped by the frosty nights and sunlit days. A wine that tells the story of its origins through layered flavours and a lingering finish.
From Kouebokkeveld to Klein JAN
Chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, celebrated for his culinary innovation at Klein JAN, understands the significance of terroir. At Klein JAN, located in the southern Kalahari, Jan Hendrik curates dishes inspired by local ingredients and traditions, crafting menus that pay homage to the land.
When he brought the Op die Berg Syrah to his table, its vibrant profile inspired him to pair it with a bold creation of his own: the biltong lamington. A twist on the classic lamington, this dish combines the familiar comfort of buttery brioche with the rich savouriness of biltong.
The Secret in the Sweetness
At Klein JAN, the biltong lamington takes on a life of its own. Jan Hendrik infuses his version with local dates from Upington, adding an unexpected sweetness to the savoury profile. This addition is the key to its harmony with the Op die Berg Syrah.
The wine’s vibrant fruit notes and earthy undertones meet the lamington’s salty richness and natural sweetness, creating a pairing that’s both surprising and deeply satisfying. It’s a fusion of flavours that bridges the cool heights of the Kouebokkeveld and the sunbaked expanses of the Kalahari.
A Celebration of Two Worlds
The magic of this pairing lies in its ability to unite two distinct regions and traditions. The Op die Berg Syrah carries the essence of its unique terroir, while the biltong lamington tells a story of South African heritage, enhanced by the delicate sweetness of Kalahari dates.
We all come from somewhere. This pairing is a celebration of origins—of landscapes, cultures, and the creativity that emerges when they meet. It’s a reminder that food and wine are more than sustenance; they are stories, waiting to be shared.
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