A Unique South African Wine Selection for Pete

Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc 2008. Since we aren't able to get our hands on the Mulderbosch Chardonnay, we settled for their lightly oaked, food friendly Chenin Blanc. Steen, as Chenin Blanc is called in South Africa, is the most widely planted grape variety in South Africa represeting about 25% of all vines planted (% varies by source). This particular Chenin Blanc goes for about $17 per bottle. Details can be found on the Mulderbosch website by clicking here.

Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2008. Aromas of sunripened yellow apples & pears. Tactile subtle, sweet dried apricots and honey are perfectly balanced by a subtle mineral finish. The grapes for this wine were hand harvested to ensure that the unripe grapes did not contribute a green taste to the finished wine. As harvesting neared, botrytis began to set in, added the unique honey flavor to this wine. Although rarely a problem during the harvest in South Africa, rain was an issue in the 2008 harvest season. Simonsig is located just 45km from Cape Town in the Stellenbosch region. Retails for about $14. Details can be found here. 

The Yellow Cellar 2008 Cape White (Chenin Blanc). Easily an everyday drinking wine from South Africa. I came across this wine for the first time at a wine dinner at a retirement community in Pennsylvania. Delicious and affordable at $9.99 per bottle. Details are hard to come by online and I haven't had the opportunity to taste this vintage. According to the back label, this wine is "light, crisp, fruity and well balanced...It complements any light meal such as pasta, chicken or seafood." The winery's website can be found here.

Graham Beck Chardonnay 2008. Left on the lees in the barrel for the first three months after fermentation and barrel aged for an additional six months. So as not to over oak the wine, about 20% is aged in stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation is not encouraged. Lime green and gold color with a gentle vanilla and citrus bouquet. Hints of limes on the palate with a firm and full lingering flavor on the palate with a crisp structure and an elegant, stylish finish. This wine will make a beautiful accompaniment to grilled fish, seafood, rich poultry and pasta dishes. $15.99. The winery's website can be found by clicking here.

Excelsior Chardonnay 2009. Bright lime green hue. Hints of peach, marmalade and orange blossom on the nose. Green apple fruit flavors on a full creamy palate. Only very lightly oaked for everyday drinking. 50% French oak, 50% stainless steel. The reason for this pick is the winery's great reputation, in fact, Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon is the top selling South African Cabernet Sauvignon in the United States. Retails for $9.99.

Thelema Chardonnay 2007. Retailing for $27.99, this wine rivals top notch white Burgundies. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak, with the other 70% of barrels being 3rd & 4th fills. This wine underwent Malolactic fermentation and so should be creamier and display more buttery characteristics than most Chardonnay wines on this list. Aging potential is up to five years.

Nederburg Lyric 2009. This wine is a blend of 56% Sauvignon Blanc, 23% Chenin Blanc and 21% Chardonnay. At 11.2% this wine is lower in alcohol than many other wines on this list. This wine exhibits inviting aromas of peach, apricot, fresh cut grass and gooseberry. Crisp with fresh acidity this wine would be excellent paired with fresh fruit, seafood, fish, chicken or veal. Retails for $14.99. 

This page was last updated February 13, 2010.