A taste for finer things

Eric Botha is a much celebrated sommelier based at Joburg’s new bubbly joint, Le Wine Chambre.

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Allan Mullins (wine selector for Woolworths wines), without a doubt. He is still my mentor and always willing to share knowledge.

Describe your best moment with wine?

Whenever I offer advice about wine and I see expressions that say “this guy knows what he’s talking about”.

What is your favourite wine and dish pairing?

There’s a lot to mention – but nevertheless the Rack of Karoo lamb served with root vegetable (beetroot, parsnip, carrots) and array of exotic mushrooms, and red wine jus. The choice of wine will be a subtle Cabernet Sauvignon or an excellent Merlot based Bordeaux blend style.

How did you develop your passion?

I guess it is an industry that has been calling me for many years and I jumped at the opportunity after I did my first wine course with the Cape Wine Academy. My love for food has added to my passion. I also love cooking during my spare time.

What is the best wine you have tasted?

There’s a few of them, but the rare international fantastic wines are always a treat, such as Château Latour, Château Lafite-Rothschild (both from Bordeaux in France), Opus One (California), Château Musar (Lebanon) just to name a few.

What is the funniest thing you have experienced?

Opening a not well-chilled sparkling wine that ended being too frothy – the mistake was to put a thumb on the bottle. A quarter of the bubbly was wasted. Luckily the host was not angry and his comment was “Dom Perignon and Madam Veuve must be thirsty, cheers to them”.

Which celebrity did you enjoy to give advice about wine?

Denzil Washington. He is an awesome guy and down to earth. When he was in South Africa for the movie Safe House, we used to talk a lot about Bordeaux wines while introducing him to our own Bordeaux style wines. He would always have a smile on his face and he enjoyed all the choices.