RAVIOLI OF FYNBOS-INFUSED VENISON DENNINGLVLEIS WITH RED WINE SAUCE

DARLING

4 springbok shanks

2 onions, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

750ml Cloof Cellar Blend (or a similarly rustic red blend)

1 000 good quality stock (venison or meat)

2 tablespoons dried kapokbos leaves (or substitute rosemary leaves)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

4 large carrots, grated

Fresh pasta, rolled into sheets

Sweat onions and garlic in olive oil, set aside. Dust the meat lightly with flour. Fry in a little olive oil until golden brown all around. Put vegetables, meat and herbs into a roasting tray (or casserole dish with lid), add 500ml wine and enough stock to cover everything. Seal, and roast at 150ºC until the meat is tender (approximately two hours), taking care that the liquid does not all evaporate. If necessary, add boiling water or stock. Remove the meat from the bones, shred finely using a fork, and reserve. Follow usual method for making ravioli, using the shredded meat as the filling. Strain cooking liquids through muslin and reduce, skimming regularly, until the liquid has reached a thick consistency. Add a little more wine to taste, allowing extra time to cook the wine. If necessary, thicken with potato flour. Adjust seasoning. Add blackcurrant jam if too tart. Cook ravioli in salted boiling water (they're ready when they rise to the surface); drain and place on a plate. Stir a few knobs of softened butter into the sauce and spoon over cooked ravioli.

Chef's note: The ravioli can be frozen and added directly to boiling water without defrosting.

- Oscar Foulkes, Cloof Wine Estate

Shiraz

Some very distinctive Shiraz has emerged from the newer district of Darling which is positioning itself as one of the cooler regions. The vineyards - mainly bushvines anchored in rich red soils - benefit from their proximity to the Atlantic ocean in a winegrowing area which is affected by both this maritime climate and the more continental weather pattern of the Swartland. These wines reflect the full flavours of this robust dish.

Cloof Burghers Post Shiraz

Cloof Crucible Shiraz

DC Black Granite Shiraz

Groote Post Shiraz

Onyx Shiraz