There’s nothing self-respecting New Yorkers like more than free-flowing booze, especially if it’s wine and can double as a sophisticated hobby. Or so it seemed last week as crowds gathered to talk the red stuff at Hell’s Kitchen’s Studio 450, under the auspices of Wines of South Africa.
The organization’s “BBQ to Braai” event (braai being Afrikaans for BBQ) was the last stop in a nationwide tour to benefit Edible Schoolyard NYC and presented crowds with an array of wine merchants alongside nibbles from chef and Braai Master Hugo Uys.
Although Uys’s menu boasted stomach-rumblers like Rooster Broodjies – grilled cheese sandwiches with grilled sweet onion, tomato and mango ginger chutney – and Tipsy Tart – a spiced bread pudding with dates, walnuts and rooibos tea-infused brandy – the sheer number of people in line for the BBQ meant supplies ran short and it was hard to sample it all.
No bother – the night was really about the wine, and wine there was. South African chenin and sauvignon blancs, cabernet sauvignons and shirazes dominated the scene, while a few surprisingly subtle chardonnays came out of the woodwork.
Favorite tipples included the full-bodied (but pricey at $23) 2010 Meerlust Chardonnay. Oaky and butterier than buttered toast, it was exactly what you’d want from the grape.
Place in the Sun Sauvignon Blanc from Distell is cheaper at $11.99, but it’s fair trade and as light and crisp as an early fall evening.
Looking for bubbles on a budget? Balance Boldly Brut ($10.99) from Meridian Prime is 100% sauvignon blanc and makes for a very dry, but totally suitable option.
When it came to reds, the Bellingham Bernard Series SMV 2011 from Pacific Highway was a real treat (at $35). A rich and inspiring combo of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Viognier, it’ll impress at dinner parties.
All the wines are available through Tribeca Wine Merchants.
The evening was a great opportunity to get to know South African wines while grabbing an opportunity to gaze into the New York sunset from the 11th floor. If it tours again, this shindig is not to be missed. At the very least, you get a lot of wine for your buck.
Twisted Talk: Do you like a good South African wine? What’s your fave? Discuss below!
