White Here, White Now

’Tis the season for perfectly chilled white wine. Wine writer Tshepang Molisana shares her top five picks for summer.

MULLINEUX OLD VINES WHITE BLEND 2018,

R305

This wine speaks to the treasure the Swartland possesses and the sagacity of its winemakers. It’s a blend of 69% Chenin Blanc, 12% Clairette Blanche, 9% Grenache Blanc, 7% Viognier and 3% Semillon Gris. Some of the vine

parcels are up to 65 years old.

Perfect paired with:

Sesame-seared tuna poke bowl.

HARTENBERG RIESLING 2017,

R120

A great complement to holiday food – and an even better complement to holiday conversation. With lime and mineral notes and fine acid, this bone-dry wine still carries an inherently sweet character.

Perfect paired with:

Curry or seasoned chicken livers.

ASHBOURNE BLANC 2019, R90

Comprised of 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% unwooded Chardonnay, which give it white peach aromas and a citrus palate, this white is as light and elegant as a summer day.

Perfect paired with: Rosemary focaccia drizzled with olive oil.

HOLDEN MANZ PROPRIETORS’ BLEND 2018,

R190

Comprised of 20% Chenin Blanc,

40% Viognier and 40% Chardonnay, and offering peaches, flowers and orange peel, it’s layered, textured and beautifully integrated.

Perfect paired with: A classic avocado ritz with pan-fried prawns.

HAZENDAL CHRISTOFFEL HAZENWINKEL THE WHITE BLEND 2018,

R140

Hazendal, a Dutch word that translates to “valley of the hares”, is a farm in Stellenbosch that’s full of personality. Winemaker Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt’s delightful blend of 34% Chenin Blanc, 29% Semillon, 25% Sauvignon Blanc and 12% Chardonnay is complex, with notes of pear and gooseberry.

Perfect paired with: Pear and rocket balsamic salad with candied walnuts.