The Best White Wines from South Africa
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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
2020 Reyneke Reserve White
Reyneke Wines
Stellenbosch,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
12,5%
96
2019 Sadie Palladius
The Sadie Family
Swartland,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
13,5%
96
2019 Optenhorst
Bosman Family Vineyards
Pair,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chenin Blanc
12,2%
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
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
2021 Iona Monopole Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc
Iona Vineyards
Elgin,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
13%
94
2021 Reyneke Biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc
Reyneke Wines
Stellenbosch,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
13,5%
94
2020 Thorne & Daughters Snakes & Ladders Sauvignon Blanc
Thorne & Daughters Wines
Citrusdal Mountain,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
13,5%
94
2019 DeMorgenzon Chenin Blanc Reserve Stellenbosch
De Morgenzon
Stellenbosch,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chenin Blanc
14%
€€€
94
2019 Stellenbosch Chardonnay
Leeu Passant Wines
Stellenbosch,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chardonnay
14%
94
2018 Restless River Wanderlust Sauvignon Blanc
Restless River Wines
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
13,5%
94
2018 Chenin Blanc Reserve
De Morgenzon
Stellenbosch,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chenin Blanc
14,5%
€€€
94
2014 Chardonnay
Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chardonnay
13%
€€€
94
2011 Chardonnay
Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Hemel-en-Aarde Valley,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
Chardonnay
13%
€€€
94
2008 Palladius
The Sadie Family
Swartland,
Western Cape,
South Africa
White Wine
14%
€€€
94