How much wine do you consume? Are you the reason why beer is the best selling drink in most New World countries? Don't you know it's good for you to drink wine?

I read an insert on the Decanter.com website recently which states that wine has now become bigger than spirits in the UK due to the spending power and emancipation of women (thought we were 'emancipated' a while ago already-my mistake) but way to go UK! Maybe it's because you can have a fairly decent glass of wine in any bar in the UK whereas in South Africa- a wine producing country- this is still an unknown phenomenon, not to even speak about wine bars, non-existent virtually. Maybe that's why our wines barely get mentioned in international wine books especially when pairing them with food, surprise, we also eat in SA and our food is damn good.

Someone asked me again today how to learn about food and wine combining, such a difficult subject and like wine itself you will only learn through experience but can start by buying a good book on the subject. Browse through the Amazon.com selection and see what you like, read the reviews it might save you some money in the long run. Try something in the Mitchell Beasley series to start. Then start at home by smelling all foods and combining them with wines that have similar flavours and are similar in body, heavy food with a heavy wine.

Food Match of the Week-Try Pinotage with Bobotie, if you don't know what Bobotie is please drop me a line and I will give you the recipe. Fantastic mince dish from Cape Malay origin.

Wine of the week-Teddy hall Chenin Blanc selling for around R32 you can find info on his website, www.teddyhall.com.

Wine Function of the week-Cape Wine makers Guild Pre-Auction tasting, if in Johannesburg don't miss this one, best wines in the country. Check out their website on www.capewinemakersguild.com

Please leave me questions and comments, at least it will look as if someone is reading this blog!

Happiness in wine

Maud

After a recent olive oil course, were we had to 'nose' the oils as you will do with wine and recognize faults like oxidation and rancidity I realized again how interlinked the world of food and wine is. When you have a cold you cannot taste your food and certainly not wine and all it's aromas.

Lesson no 1 then, learn to smell again. I always tell my students to sniff and smell everything they come into contact with. The smell of the earth after a bout of rain (Pinot Noir) the smell off an apple (riesling), guava( South African Chenin) and many more everyday smells occur in wine.

So if you want to taste wine the best place to start is your kitchen. If you don't venture it there it's time to start! Then learn how to identify these flavors in your wine. Think and sniff deeply, you will recognize it and will bring the two together eventually.

Start with single varieties with prominent flavours like Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon blanc and Shiraz.

Draw up a flavour profile as recommended in wine books (Jancis Robinson's-How to taste wine) and off you go. Remember that everyone's sense of smell is unique and don't worry if you don't smell what the experts smell you will eventually start to smell a wine according to it's flavour profile and be able to name the variety, now wouldn't that be exciting!

Wine recommendation off the week-Knife's Edge Pinot Noir from Wellington South Africa. Never thought that a hot climate area could produce such a fine Pinot Noir, well done Graham Knox and team. Beware this is a big wine so decanting is recommended.

Restaurant functions- If you find yourselves in Johannesburg during August and September you can look forward to the following events;

• Cellar Rats Spring Festival held in Magaliesburg every year takes place Sunday 28 August. Child friendly and lots of wine to taste. Drivers go in for free.
• Robert Broom Restaurant in Krugersdorp is hosting Rijk Melck from Muratie Monday 29 August. Booking essential. Call +27 83 272 8533
• The annual Cape Wine Makers Guild Pre-Auction tasting takes place at the Nedbank atrium in Sandton, best wines in SA don't miss out. Bookings through computicket.
• Meerendal is hosting a spit braai with their elegant wines at Makro Centurion on 8 September. Bookings essential. Call +27 82 809 3454
• Post House will be doing their delectable ink black wines and amazing Chenin Blanc in Krugerdorp (venue to be confirmed) with winemaker Nick Gerber 21 September. call +27 82 809 3454
• The International Wine club will meet Saturday 17 September to taste New World icons in Randburg limited space call+27 82 809 3454

PS Fresh olive oil should smell like freshly cut grass.