Warming whites for winter

inter is starting to set in and every wine lover around the country is holding thumbs that it will be long and wet – in the Western Cape at least – otherwise we’re all going to be in trouble when it comes to next year’s harvest… In winter, most people turn to red wine, but there are some white varietals that have a lot to offer, especially those made in a richer style with subtle, warming oak. Here are a few off-thebeaten-track white wines to try this winter as the rain lashes down outside. Hopefully! A good chardonnay is hard to top when it’s chilly outside. For the price, the Hartenberg Chardonnay 2016 (R115) is very good indeed. Hartenberg is probably better known for its stellar shiraz range, but winemaker Carl Schultz has also perfected the art of oaking over the years, producing sublime white wines like The Eleanor chardonnay and this one, with subtle, understated oak balancing crisp and creamy yellow fruit, with a hint of buttery spice in the tail. For any weather and every occasion, there’s always a chenin blanc that will fit the bill. As the seasons change, it’s time to turn to the Carl Everson Chenin Blanc 2016 (R175) from Opstal. Opstal is one of my favourite producers because they not only turn out goodvalue easy drinkers (check out their Sixpence range), but also wines like this: elegant and classy; a mouthful of velvety fruit kissed with cream and spice. I’m sure you know about pinot noir and pinot grigio, but have you heard of pinot blanc? It’s rarely found in South Africa, but well worth seeking out for its fruity flavour and zingy acidity. The Lanzerac Bergpad Pinot Blanc 2016 (R190) is one of only two made as a single varietal. I love this wine’s grainy texture – like a ripe, juicy pear – that will perfectly complement a wintery roast chicken.