It is refreshing and really appealing to find a spot in Dar es Salaam (or any place for that matter) offering a decent selection of wines by the glass. Southern Sun’s Baraza Grill, Café and Bar offer patrons the opportunity to enjoy every one of their wines by the glass or bottle. “Wine is really a journey of discovery full of new tastes, flavours and styles,” explains restaurant manager Denzil McAnda, “It is impossible to do that if you have to buy full bottles all the time.” Denzil instead prefers his patrons to have the opportunity to experiment by having several wines by the glass. This is a great value way of sampling new wines. “There is also the opportunity to for pairing different wines with dishes from the food menu,” says Denzil who notes this drinking option is especially useful when a party of diners are all ordering something different. All of Baraza’s 41 wines are carefully kept to maintain the freshness of every bottle and helpful staff are always available to assist you to make a choice. I sat down with Denzil to sample a selection of Baraza’s really varied and exciting wines by the glass combining familiar favourites with some appealing surprises:
Barton and Guestier Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2014 (France)
Our verdict: This is a very good value wine from the Gascony region. It has a very individual tropical, fruity bouquet. It has a refreshing, citrus taste with a pleasant, lingering flavor. It is definitely not your typical Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect with fish, especially any seafood served with a sauce.
Pierre Jourdan Tranquille Classique Still (South Africa)
Our verdict: Essentially it is made with the same grapes (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) used in sparkling wine but they does not go through the full fermentation process. The result is an intriguing salmon-coloured wine with a complex aroma with a dry, fruity flavour. Great with poultry or simply as a pre-dinner drink.
Ken Forrester Petit Rose 2015 (South Africa)
Our verdict: This wine has a higher alcohol content (13.5%) than most Rosé. It has a bold aroma with a hint of strawberry. The Grenache grape gives this a punchy flavor. A great, dry Rosé, super for a sundowner or any social occasion.
The Pavillion Boschendal Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (South Africa)
Our verdict: A medium-bodied wine – with the armoa of dark berries – that is not too robust. A very easy-drinking red for after-work drinks at the bar. It is also ideal with Baraza’s Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Livers or BBQ Pork Pork Spare Ribs.
21 Gables Pinotage 2011 Spier (South Africa)
Our verdict: This is a rich full-bodied with a spicy armoa and smooth finish. A well-made and memorable wine which offers the typical flavor of a South African Pinotage wine. Brilliant with Baraza’s Pepper fillet or Rustica Pasta (Italian style pork sausage with Napoletana sauce).
The Baraza Grill, Cafe and Restaurant
Southern Sun Hotel
Garden Avenue
Dar es Salaam
+255 22 213 7575
www.tsogosun.com/southern-sun-dar-es-salaam
