I have to say, I could almost have written ‘Top 20’ whites because there is so much value out there and so many fabulous wines to choose from! But I think I’ve done pretty well finding some interesting bits and pieces for you – if I didn’t say where it’s from, it’s from Checkers but you can probably find them at your normal bottle store as well. Enjoy!
Waterside Unoaked Chardonnay 2011 (R31.99)
This is by Graham Beck Wines and is the ‘partner’ for the very popular Railroad Red and Pinno. It’s an uncomplicated, unwooded, easy-drinker of a wine made using Robertson fruit and sporting a very pleasing 12% abv. Lovely glugger for a warm winter’s day.
Hill & Dale Chardonnay 2011 (R29.99)
Wow – what an incredibly good price for this wine! Made by Guy Webber at Stellenzicht, this offers fresh, clean, lemon pie flavours with a tweak of oak. According to Platter, there is a dash of Semillon in there as well which adds to the zesty depth of flavour.
Alexanderfontein Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (R32.99)
Whisper it quietly, but quite a lot of award-winning Sauvignon comes from this Darling farm. You’d like to think they keep the best stuff for yourself and when you taste this distinctively Darling mouthful of peas, grass & citrus, you’ll agree that they probably do!
Sauvignon.com Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (R39.99)
Just sneaking into the budget, but this is worth stretching yourself for in my opinion. Thys Louw from Diemersdal makes some of the finest Sauvignons in SA and this ‘commercial label’ has nonetheless received just as much attention as the top stuff. Concentrated tropical fruits, citrus and zippy acidity.
Wolftrap White 2011 (R32.99)
The 2010 version of this wine was Platter’s Superquaffer of the Year and this follow-up vintage definitely doesn’t disappoint! It’s an interesting blend of Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc which makes for an aromatic mouthful of soft yellow stone fruits. Great value for an unusual wine.
Rustenberg Ida’s White 2011 (R34.99)
Wow – a wine from mighty Rustenberg that sells for less than R40? Got to be worth a look right? And happily it is too. This is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier – all mixing together in a tangy, aromatic, fruity mouthful. The label’s a bit old-fashioned but there’s nothing dated about this wine.
Welmoed Chenin Blanc 2012 (R23.99)
Reliable range of quaffers from the company of wine people, this Chenin offers good value come rain or shine. It’s a cheery little number with lots of peachy, appley fruit. Dry but not too much and a good partner for most food or simply on its own.
Stellenbosch Hills Chenin Blanc 2012 (R30 from the farm)
This arrived on my doorstep last week and ended up in my fridge last night. As I said on twitter – what’s not to love about this wine? The perfect quaffer – lots of ripe fruit, plenty of acidity, 12% alcohol – this is an all-day, all-night wine.
Limelight Chardonnay/Pinot Noir 2011 (R36.99)
A blend made famous in Champagne and Franschhoek (Haute Cabriere), now made in a good value version by Danie de Wet in Robertson. It’s slightly off-dry and slightly, very slightly pinkish with low alcohol and a wealth of lively fruit. A great partner to all kinds of food.
Boplaas Moscato Light 2012 (R35 from the farm)
Light in alcohol (9%) but not light in flavour – this brand-new release from Calitzdorp port specialists Boplaas surprised everyone by outselling every other wine at the recent Port Festival. Moscato aka Muscat de Frontignan is being punted as the next big thing by winos in the know and the sweet, grapey flavours and delicate perfume of this wine go great with a good crème brûlée.