Simonsig Wines of South Africa managing director François Malan and his wife Antoinette were recently the guests of honour at a wine and dine event at the Essence restaurant at the Radisson Blu Resort, Golden Sands.

The event, hosted by Simonsig’s local agents Attard & Co. Foodstuffs Ltd, consisted of a five-course meal with matching wines, which members of the Dielja Wine Club were also invited to.

A Kaapse Vonkel Brut of 2011 was served with the canapés, while the amuse-bouches were accompanied by the 2012 Simonsig Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc, a fruit basket of concentrated gooseberries, white fruit and hints of green pepper.

For starters, there was yellow fin tuna pickled bottarga sand, sea lettuce, chicken cracklings, milk skin, vanilla tomatoes and flowers. This was served along-side a 2012 Gewürztraminer.

The next course – chèvre dumplings, basil purée and smoked wild mushroom tea – was served with a 2010 Pinotage, while the main course – pan-fried duck breast, slow-cooked duck leg, thyme and truffle risotto cake, beetroot purée with whisky apple cream – was accompanied by a 2009 Tiara, Simonsig’s flagship red wine.

For dessert, there was Caribi chocolate and marzipan delight, sea salt caramel tart with cassis ice cream and banana millefoglie.