White wine for winter

inter in South Africa is full of balmy days when you can dust off your sandals, dig out the cushions for the outdoor chairs and enjoy an afternoon in the sun. Those days are also perfect for drinking white wine. Here are a few delicious suggestions. Many people might already have moved onto 2018 sauvignon blancs, but if you can get your hands on a tasty 2017 bottle then you’re onto a good thing. The Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2017 (R61) is a great example of this: It has notes of green and yellow fruit, a fresh acidity and a creamy mid-palate, with a touch of richness thanks to the extra year in the bottle. (Don’t worry if you can only find the 2018 version. This must be one of the most consistent wines around and I’m sure you’ll love the latest vintage, too.) The chenin blanc craze continues to gather steam as more and more wineries add this variety to their portfolio. Grande Provence has actually been making chenin for some time, but they’ve recently launched a new version – the Grande Provence Chenin Blanc 2017 (R90), which they describe as the inspiration for their chenin journey. It’s a great wine to open that door, with lots of fresh and zesty yellow fruit, a delightful salty tang and a long finish. Sauvignon blanc is nice, as is chenin, but the best white for winter must be chardonnay. With its rich palate of flavours and ripe fruit notes, chardonnay goes well with even the most robust winter food. The Haute Cabrière Chardonnay Réserve 2016 (R190) is a case in point. Many of you might be used to the light drinkability of their famous chardonnay pinot noir blend, but this is the first time they’ve released a “serious” white wine. It’s a really good one too, with a rich mid-palate balanced by some acidity and a creamy finish. Put a bottle on the table if you’re cooking up a winter feast.