It’s 1 September 2018 and if you live in the southern hemisphere then you are looking forward to change in seasons. The weather is sure to get warmer which means your palate will be looking for something to complement it. I was recently part of a #virtualtasting on Twitter where I got to pair the Steenberg Lady R 2012 with the meal of my choice.

From appearance you can see that it was given 5 stars on the Platters wine guide 2018. The label is simple which always means the flavour will speak for itself, not to downplay any bottles that are visually appealing. Named after, Steenberg’s wine pioneer, Catharina Ras, this methode cap classique has a really interesting colour. It looks like rosé with more of a brown tint to it. In fact, the Steenberg Website describes it best: copper hue. With a near-perfect blend of Pinot Noir – 70% and Chardonnay – 30%, it takes the best characteristics of each and what you get is a blend fit for special occasions.

I’ve always been a fan of sparkling wine. Not the carbonated type, that is just like having a soft drink.

The pinot noir is yeast fermented, the chardonnnay is barrel fermented with a combined second fermentation process . The result? The acidity is fresh but not tart and it wasn’t difficult to pick what I wanted to pair this baby with. I love seafood with a brut but not something I had to have with garlic and nothing that needed mayonnaise. I opted for some pan seared salmon with some dill butter sauce. We all know that asparagus goes well with salmon so I blanched those stalks and seasoned them well with salt and pepper and created a bed for the fish.

Not to float my own boat but this was an incredible pairing. I do recommend that whoever serves this, pairs it with salmon.

Lady R is currently elegantly priced at R499 per bottle on the Steenberg Website. You want my opinion? This is completely worth the price if you desire a Vintage MCC, produced according to traditional method. Immediately on your tongue you can experience a bubbly sensation which, in my humble opinion, makes it more worth it than an expensive bottle of champagne.

France has nothing on South Africa if this is the calibre of MCC’s we produce.

Lady V finally tasted Lady R.