White wine from South Africa

White wine - light enjoyment for warm days

White wines from South Africa can be tart, sweet or dry; flavoursome, fruity, fresh or all of these at the same time. In the different growing regions, the grape varieties develop their own characteristics that make the wine unique. There is no doubt that Europe is the birthplace of wine. But no country outside Europe has a longer wine-growing tradition than South Africa. Jan van Riebeeck of the Dutch East India Company founded one of the first settlements in the Cape in 1652, which is a piece of viticultural history.

White wine - with a centuries-old tradition

It is generally assumed that the first types of wine were red wines. Red wine is easier to produce. However, there are written references to the consumption of white wine from ancient Greece. The most famous physician of antiquity, Hippocrates of Kos, generally attributed healing effects to wine and documented these in detail. He also described and taught his students how to use wine as a disinfectant and painkiller. In his written records, we can read that he distinguished between "vinous" and "bitter" white wine as early as 400 BC. The Romans later adopted many of the Greek wine-growing techniques.

The long tradition of wine in South Africa

Jan van Riebeeck quickly recognised the potential of the South African climate and ordered grape seedlings from France. Soon after, the first vineyards were planted. The first wine was pressed as early as 1659. At this time, wine was regarded as a cure for scurvy and was taken on ships from here all over the world. The Cape turned out to be the perfect place to supply ships from. Wine growing in South Africa has been subject to many fluctuations since its origins. Poor planning, bad weather and political tensions made production and export very difficult at times.

Successful wines from South Africa

The most popular wines from South Africa are mostly cuvées from well-known Bordeaux varieties. For fans of flavoursome white wines, there is Sauvignon Blanc from Hillcrest. This wine impresses with its balance between green style and fruity flavour with a hint of guava, grapefruit and green pepper. The shimmering green Chardonnay from the Rosendal winery enjoys great international popularity. Its understated fruity flavour of lime and apricot blossom is subtle and makes this wine an unobtrusive accompaniment to light dishes. Klein Welmoed Foothills The Partners, a white Bordeaux made from Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and 12% Viognier grapes, combines freshness with aromatic diversity. A wonderful blend of different fruits and a fresh acidity characterise our Wildehurst Velo Blanc. The Klein Roosboom winery is represented with two white wines which, with their crisp freshness, are ideal with fish dishes and sushi. The Sauvignon Blanc from Lomond, with its brilliant, greenish shimmering clarity and spicy flavour, is in no way inferior to the Chenin Blanc from Saltare, which combines the wonderful aromas of lime blossom, mandarin, gooseberry and fynbos. Wines like rock stars are offered by The Garajeest Jim Semillon, which delights even the most discerning palate with its good ageing potential and profound flavour.

The perfect white wine with a meal

In good company or relaxed alone, with a good meal or light snacks. There are many opportunities to open a good bottle of wine. Of course, the question quickly arises as to which type of white wine goes with what? Of course, anything that tastes good is "allowed", but some combinations have also proved successful. Fresh or floral white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc are ideal with white meats such as poultry or pork. It is important that the flavour of the wine does not dominate the taste of the dish, but rather supports it.