Durbanville Wine Valley’s newest member – Canto Wines which officially opened to the public in January this year – offers a unique and not-to-be-missed wine experience: an MCC bubbly and Macaron pairing.

The boutique winery came to fruition when owner Marinus Neethling bought a 48-hectare piece of land (18 hectares of which is planted under vineyards) that used to form part of neighbouring Meerendal Wine Estate. The range of Canto wines includes an unwooded Chardonnay, a Merlot, a Sauvignon Blanc and four varietals of MCC bubbly – a Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir, a Shiraz and a Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend.

Set in a recently constructed building, the estate’s tasting room is beautifully decorated yet has a relaxed feeling that makes visitors feel as if they are having wine in the comfort of their own home. The help-yourself style deli allows guests to choose from a variety of products and build a platter to suit their tastes, and features a variety of artisan cheeses, charcuterie, savoury biscuits and relishes.

One of the standout offers however is Canto’s MCC and Macaron pairing. Their Canto Chardonnay MCC Brut is paired with a hazelnut macaron, highlighting the buttery, earthy flavours of the bubbly. Their Shiraz Rose MCC Brut is paired with a red velvet macaron, where the fullness of raspberry and spicy flavours in the fizz is enhanced by the texture of the biscuit. The Canto Chardonnay/Pinot Noir MCC Brut is paired with a salted caramel macaron, and the Pinot Noir MCC Brut is served with a Turkish Delight macaron. This macaron has a slight rosewater/muscat flavour which complements the delicate strawberry flavours of the Pinot Noir MCC.

Come summer, Canto is planning to launch a cricket pitch for families to enjoy a game while lazing on the lawns with a pre-ordered picnic hamper.

For more information visit https://cantowines.co.za/