The Best White Wines from South Africa
South Africa’s spectacular vineyards sweep along the southern cusp of the continent, where craggy mountains greet tempestuous oceans. Originating from the Loire Valley in France, Chenin Blanc has found a new home in South Africa and is the most planted grape variety. From dry to sweet and even sparkling styles, Chenin Blanc dazzles with enticing floral notes of lemon verbena and jasmine followed by baked apple and quince on the palate. Top-notch Sauvignon Blancs from South Africa are some of the best valued, revealing real crunch and liveliness. South Africa’s coastal regions are decidedly well suited for Chardonnay. Here is Falstaff’s selection of the best.
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2020 Steytler 1947
Kaapzicht Wine Estate
Stellenbosch,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chenin Blanc
13,3%
97
2019 Huilkrans
Alheit Vineyards
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chenin Blanc
13,9%
97
2018 Ava Marie
Restless River Wines
Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
13%
97
2022 Creation Art of Chardonnay
Creation Wines
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chardonnay
13,5%
96
2021 Chenin Blanc Hoë-Steen
David & Nadia Wines
Swartland,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chenin Blanc
13%
96
2020 Reyneke Reserve White
Reyneke Wines
Stellenbosch,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
12,5%
96
2019 Optenhorst
Bosman Family Vineyards
Pair,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chenin Blanc
12,2%
96
2019 Sadie Palladius
The Sadie Family
Swartland,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
13,5%
96
2017 Clos du Ciel
Longridge Estate
Stellenbosch,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chardonnay
13%
96
2017 Reserve White
Reyneke Wines
Stellenbosch,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
12%
96
NV Dirty Little Secret Two Vin blanc WO Piekenierskloof
Ken Forrester Vineyards
Coastal Region,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
14%
96
2022 Cartology Bush Vines WO Western Cape
Alheit Vineyards
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chenin Blanc
13%
95
2022 Rondevlei WO Swartland Chenin blanc
David & Nadia Wines
Swartland,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chenin Blanc
12,5%
95
2021 Creation Glenn's Chardonnay
Creation Wines
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chardonnay
13,5%
95
2019 Eden High Density Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc Polkadraai
Raats Family Wines
Stellenbosch,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chenin Blanc
13%
95
2016 Sadie Palladius
The Sadie Family
Swartland,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
13,7%
95
2023 Revenge of the Crayfish
Sakkie Mouton Family Wines
South Africa
White Wine
94
2022 Creation Art of Pinot Noir Walker Bay
Creation Wines
Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Pinot Noir
14%
94
2022 Old Vines White
Mullineux & Leeu Wines
Coastal Region,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
94
2022 WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Chardonnay
Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chardonnay
13,5%
94