In a charming little Italian-style courtyard, in the heart of Waterkloof’s “Kloof Village”, you will find Villa Barranco. The owner Charl, who also owns “De Kloof” restaurant, was quite clever with the naming as Barranco is Kloof in Spanish. It is beautifully decorated with a mix of new and old-fashioned furniture. Outside fairy lights adorn the trees, and inside chandeliers hang from the ceiling. It is the perfect place for a romantic dinner.
This evening we are attending a Portuguese wine and brandy pairing hosted by Francois Pistorius. Our hostess Danielle welcomes us and shows us to our table underneath a large old tree. Darlington the manager is quick to take our drinks order. The staff are all friendly and helpful. We are a little early and use the time to explore and take some photos.
The festivities begin with the white wines – Casa Portuguesa white and Casa Ferreirinha Planalto. Served with this is a butterfish and shrimp ravioli or mussels in light Keralan-style sauce.
Francois carefully explains each wine in detail, describing the region where the grapes are grown, and the process used to produce the wine.
Next up are the red wines – Casa Portuguesa red and Lisbon red. A twice-baked cheddar souffle with Iberian ham and a chalmar flat-iron steak tagliata is paired with this.
All this talk of Portugal arouses the wanderlust in us, and we start dreaming of our next trip.
The third and final course is the dark chocolate sorbet and vanilla crème brûlée paired with the 1920 brandy.
Afterward, we get to talking to Francois and order a box of the Casa Portuguesa red.
What a wonderful evening it has been. A medley of Mediterranean cultures. A culinary experience not to be forgotten. And new travel plans on the horizon.
Obrigado e boa noite.
