Red Carnation Hotels

PRESS ROOM

Well Served

02/04/2007

RAISING THE BAR
At 23, Luvo Ntezo is one of the youngest sommeliers in South Africa. His informative tasting notes are peppered with captivating – and humorous – anecdotes. Here’s his take on the best wines to quaff, collect and covet.

This month I’m drinking Pinot Noir, preferably from the Walker Bay region. It’s light and fresh, with a touch of warmth that’s just right for the Cape winter.

Great investment wines are Vergelegen’s V 2003 and Boekenhoutskloof CWG Syrah 2003.

The best thing about being a sommelier is that I get to sample a variety of local and international wines, and enhance the experiences of our guests by sharing my tasting notes with them.

My favourite wine farm for a laid-back Sunday lunch is Steenberg. It’s beautiful, close to Cape Town and the wines are superb.

My top tipple for romantic evenings is a rosé – blush-pink and lush with fruit – and for everyday, a refreshing Chenin Blanc. Serious tippling calls for a Bouchard Finlayson Pinot Noir.

My ideal meal is Russian caviar with Louis Roederer Cristal 1999 champagne to start; fynbos-infused lamb with a 1982 Chateau Petrus for the main course; and honey zabaglione with fresh fruit and a glass of 1995 Klein Constantia Vin de Constance for dessert.

My preferred after-dinner digestifs are Underberg, Kümmel and Jägermeister.

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