As a sommelier with roots in Zambia and a passion for storytelling, Keize Mumba has found his calling in the world of wine. After moving to Cape Town a decade ago, Mumba’s journey into the realm of wine was ignited by the captivating narratives behind each bottle he encountered. Inspired by these stories, he embarked on a path to become a sommelier, driven by a love for wines that embody structure, power, balance, intensity, complexity, and longevity.
For Mumba, Cabernet Sauvignon stands as the epitome of these qualities. He praises its unique ability to maintain varietal identity regardless of its origin or vinification process. Originating from Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon has achieved global success, becoming the most widely planted wine grape variety worldwide. In South Africa, particularly in regions like Stellenbosch, where the grape thrives on diverse terroirs, Cabernet Sauvignon produces wines with remarkable balance, depth, and aging potential.
Mumba’s own venture into winemaking led him to collaborate with Jeremy Walker at Grangehurst in Stellenbosch, resulting in The Harp Red Blend 2017, a composition dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Merlot and Petit Verdot. This blend showcases the versatility of Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux-style blends, contributing black fruits, herbaceous notes, tannins, and structure.
When it comes to food pairings, Mumba recommends meat dishes to accompany Cabernet Sauvignon or its blends, highlighting how the firm tannins and acidity enhance the dining experience. For a more unconventional pairing, he suggests pairing a vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon with spinach and ricotta ravioli served with ratatouille.
To delve deeper into the world of South African Cabernet Sauvignon, Mumba recommends three standout wines from Stellenbosch. The Keermont Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 presents bold flavors of cedar, graphite, blackcurrant, and black plum, underscored by smooth tannins and a lingering black cherry finish. The Grangehurst Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, sourced from Helderberg fruit, offers a mature yet youthful profile with notes of black cherry, blueberry, cassis, and chocolate, supported by floral undertones and gentle tannins. Lastly, Erika Obermeyer’s Erika O Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 showcases a balance of power and restraint, featuring earthy, herbal nuances alongside luscious blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, promising longevity while being enjoyable now.
Through his recommendations, Mumba celebrates the diversity and potential of South African Cabernet Sauvignon, inviting wine enthusiasts to explore the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences it offers.
