Yes, for the umpteenth year in a row, it looks like Sauvignon Blanc will be everyone’s favourite tipple for summer.
Which is fine by me actually as I’ve had some darned nice ones this year already – check out the winners of the FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top Ten which I judged on.
Here are another ten that have come my way recently, a range of styles/regions and prices but all of them delicious summer sipping.
Noble Savage Sauvignon Blanc 2013 R43 cellar door
I always think that if there was a competition for Most Breathtaking View from a Winery, then Bartinney would give some better-known wineries a severe run for their money.
Of course, you don’t need to head up to Banghoek to try either the Bartinney or the Noble Savage wines now that they’ve opened a wine bar in Stellenbosch, and wherever you try it, I’m sure you’re going to enjoy this fun, feisty, fruity Sauvignon.
But choose the view – I promise, it’s worth it!
Earthbound Sauvignon Blanc 2013 R45 from TOPS at Spar
This is the new name and range from what was previously called Tukulu and was an empowerment project up the West Coast making stonkingly-good organic Pinotage and giving back to the community at the same time.
They are now making more than just Pinotage and this one is a neat and tidy example of the range.
Organic, correct, better the 2nd day than the 1st, this is a cheery, feel-good option for summer quaffing.
Kleine Zalze Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2013 R50 cellar door
Most people flock in their droves to Kleine Zalze for their excellently-priced and eminently-quaffable Chenin Blanc – guilty as charged m’lud!
But this Sauvignon is also excellently-priced (for a Sauvignon) and quite as easy to drink as its Chenin counterpart plus it goes really well with seared tuna sashimi with sesame seeds and wasabi mayo – doesn’t that sound the perfect summer combo to you?!
Allée Bleue Sauvignon Blanc 2013 R53 cellar door
There’s been some re-organisation of labels at this Franschhoek winery and this is now the middle tier. And doesn’t it offer astoundingly good value for money, considering they’ve bought in some of the fruit from cool-climate but pricey Walker Bay?!
It includes a dash of Semillon (7%) and winemaker Van Zyl du Toit left it on the lees for a couple of months as well, both with the idea of adding complexity. It worked too – limey, zesty, beautifully-balanced wine.
La Motte Sauvignon Blanc 2013 R60 cellar door
This may well be one of the best value Sauvignon Blancs around at the moment, offering real class and quality for such a relatively small amount of cash.
It’s a multi-regional blend from 6 different areas and is further enhanced by a dash of Semillon to add character and depth.
It also keeps very well – I was enjoying some 2012 the other day – but honestly, just drink it all now.
Life is uncertain – drink La Motte first!
Simonsig Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc 2013 R62.50 cellar door
Simonsig are probably better-known for their MCC. And their Pinotage blends. And their Chenin. And, and, and – you could spend a lot of time listing their specialities because to be honest, they’re pretty good at just making wine whatever the variety or style.
I like this one because it’s tasty, fresh and a good price, but I have to confess to also liking the name too. Which is a slightly flaky reason for choosing a wine, but what the heck!
Seven Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2012 R75 direct from the farm
It’s now a few vintages down the track for this small, social-media-savvy winery but the vines are getting older and the winemaker – the lovely Riana van der Merwe – is gaining in confidence and knowhow year by year.
There’s a tad extra sugar in this year’s offering, but don’t think it’s sweet because it’s not even close – it just adds mouth-feel and richness to balance the lively, bright, citrussy-acidity. Very nice.
Hidden Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2013 R80 cellar door
I’m happy to recommend this wine for two reasons – one because it’s a very well-made, well-priced wine which ticks all the boxes and makes me very happy, and two, because buying some is the best excuse I know to visit Hidden Valley’s onsite epicurean extravaganza which is Overture, and indulge in a feast after you’ve shopped.
Comes from the lovely slopes on the side of the Helderberg mountains, home of some of my favourite Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blancs.
Thelema Sauvignon Blanc 2013 R80 cellar door
This one made it to the Top Ten this year – and it came as no surprise to anyone at all.
They also make a Sauvignon from their vineyards in Sutherland, Elgin, but I think I still prefer this one simply because it seems to me to have elegance and grace whilst its sister offers freshness and zest.
I’m not sure if this makes much sense but I think the best (and by far the most fun) way is simply to buy a bottle of each and try for yourselves!
Warwick Professor Black 2013 R95 cellar door
Had a VERY nice picnic at Warwick last weekend to launch their new gourmet picnic menu (can highly recommend it by the way, and if you have kids, this place should be top of your list) and the stars of the day were their sundried tomato pesto, which was so good I ate it straight out of the jar, and their latest Sauvignon Blanc.
This is a worryingly more-ish wine with lots of tropical fruit, citrus and zingy acidity, but don’t panic if you drink too much – the farm can organise drivers to get you home.
They think of everything at Warwick!!