Cape Town - Spencer Fondaumiere is a sommelier with a deep appreciation for the many unique flavours of wine.
He is an Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) certified sommelier and a qualified chef. He currently serves as chairperson of the South African Sommelier Association and in his own words, he is a “serial entrepreneur”.
Most recently Fondaumiere has taken a keen liking to Checkers’ new range of Odd Bins wines.
“The Odd Bins collection produces wines that carry a certain ambiance and sophistication at remarkable value,” said Fondaumiere.
The collection was started almost three decades ago, with the intention of offering customers high-end wine brands at affordable prices. Since Odd Bins spans a wide range of cultivars and styles, it generally appeals to a wider audience.
The Odd Bins collection is available exclusively from Checkers and consists of limited- edition vintages from local wine farms. Carefully selected and given a unique bin number, the original label is kept secret to ensure the wine remains both affordable and accessible – offering the best value and selection without compromising on quality for the past 27 years. Each Odd Bins wine is unique and once the bin is sold out, the number is never repeated.
Fondaumiere was pleasantly surprised to find that some of the wines carried lovely floral notes, subtle undertones of vanilla, hints of spices and a varied palate of fresh tropical fruits.
A sommelier is formally trained and an expert in all aspects of wine service. Sommeliers often work closely with chefs on wine and food pairings. Fondaumiere offered Weekend Argus a few recommendations on pairing wines and food.
“Odd Bins No 243 Sauvignon Blanc White is a great summer wine,” said Fondaumiere. “It is slightly peppery and perfumed with zesty lime and passion fruit. It pairs well with salads and seafood.”
And for red wine enthusiasts, Fondaumiere recommended Odd Bins 723 Pinotage Red Wine, with “silky tannins and a smoky back note, as well as intense plum and raspberry aromas with additional red berries on the palate”.
“This wine pairs well with a pepper steak, venison or ribs and surprisingly even some desserts with more neutral flavours like crème brûlée.”
Fondaumiere also serves as an independent wine judge for several competitions. He is a graduate of the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy and holds a certificate from the Cape Wine Academy.
In August 2020, following the hard lockdowns in South Africa and the reopening of alcohol sales, Fondaumiere co-founded Somm On Call, a company that brings a sommelier to a patron’s home. Somm On Call can curate an at-home tasting from their wine list online or pair the wines to any menu they are provided with.
To find out more about Somm On Call or to call a sommelier to your home, go to sommoncall.co.za.