Quoin Rock – An Architectural Marvel

Discovering Quoin Rock

On arrival, your first visual impression of Quoin Rock is the double volume façade of the events hall, a blank steel and glass cinematic ‘canvas’ against which nature is reflected, constantly changing in the light and the seasons. Working together in harmony with nature was architect Dr Julia Gaiduk’s philosophy when it came to Quoin Rock’s reconstruction. One example of this is the awe-inspiring use of water in the entranceway to the reflection of natural light in the reception area, every aspect of the work is a feat of a creative genius. Here a large bronze sculpture of the vine, the “Heart of Quoin Rock”, sets the tone for the symbolic “circle of life” carried through to the internal spaces of the Wine Lounge and Gåte Restaurant that was previously known as the tasting room. Pronounced ‘gah-tey’, the Norwegian origin of the word translates to ‘the entrance of a labyrinth’ or a ‘riddle’ symbolizing a gateway to an extraordinary dining experience and a delightful puzzle to be decoded.

Quoin Rock Tasting Lounge

Quoin Rock Wine Lounge | Courtesy of Quoin Rock

 The Art of Quoin Rock

Quoin Rock embodies both the beauty and appreciation of local modern art. Some would even go so far as to say the art has a way of becoming the muse of the winemaker and team. 

 The Wine Of Quoin Rock

While the Stellenbosch region is renowned for making some of South Africa’s best Cabernet Sauvignon red wine. Quoin Rock has won many an accolade notably for their Methodé Cap Classique (MCC) that gained a few nods from the likes of Decanter, IWSC, and Veritas. The 2013 vintage shows prominent notes of green apple, honey-oats, biscuit and lime and tiny, persistently rising bubbles, is a great way to toast the moment? This is an elegant Brut style MCC that can be served with salmon tartare, oysters and sushi. The perfect MCC to celebrate any occasion.

Quoin Rock Chardonnay is nothing short of youthful, energetic and vibrant. This crisp Chardonnay shows notes of ripe citrus and orange peel that give way to hints of vanilla spiced oak and toasted brioche. Medium Lemon in color with a hint of green, expect citrus peel on your palate with great weight and a light buttery texture. Savor every sip of this lovely balanced wine or pair it with most seafood dishes.

Their Red Blend is chock full of notes showing cranberry followed by juicy layers of red fruit, wood, red-berry and tomato cocktail, there’s harmony between the Old and New World style of this popular red blend. This is a bold wine that is a splendid match to red meat dishes.

The first hint of this South African White Blend comes in the flinty, stone fruit and fig-like top notes of Sauvignon Blanc followed by the mellow tangerine character of the small percentage of Semillon. The gooseberry and melon character of the wine makes for a creamy rounded palate making this an elegant wine with a full body that can be savored as a Summer sunset tipple or to accompany most seafood dishes and pasta.

Shop these marvelous wines from our online boutique wine shop

 

 

BY Dominique Solomon | November 16, 2020

Dominique is a WSET level 3 student. Wine writer, wine and food enthusiast, she enjoys exploring the beautiful Winelands of South Africa.

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