I’m getting quite enthused about South African whites of late. Especially the white blends. Here are two very good wines, both made by winemaker Ian Naude. One is a blend of different varieties; the other a blend of different regions.
Naude 2008 Western Cape, South Africa
A blend of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, weighing in at 11.5% alcohol. A bit of spritz on opening. Lovely rich, aromatic nose combining sweet herbal, grapey, melony fruit and some cut-grass freshness. There’s a herby, pithy, slightly bitter edge to the crisp grassy palate that’s more savoury than the nose would suggest, with some citrus freshness. 90/100 (£19 www.therealwineco.co.uk)
Adoro 5 Regions Sauvignon Blanc 2008 South Africa
13% alcohol. 35% Stellenbosch, 34% Elgin, 20% Darling, 7% Durbanville, 4% Elim. Very tight and mineral with lovely precision. There’s a very fine, subtle green pepper character but it is complemented by grapefruit, herb and citrus notes. Nice concentration and lovely balance. Not showy, but sophisticated. 90/100 (£19.95 www.therealwineco.co.uk)
Thanks for sharing! South Africa is a country whose wines I keep meaning to taste more of (but Spain and Portugal and northern France keep standing between me and the register), so it’s great to have a few well-recommended white blends from which to start.