According to Wines of South Africa, the Cape Winelands are home to about 90 512 hectares of wine-producing vines currently under cultivation. The region stretches from mountain slopes along the coast to the open plains of the Klein Karoo, offering a robust variety of cultivars and blends that are designed to captivate the senses.
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Among the Cape’s repertoire of white wines is the ever-popular sauvignon blanc, a green-skinned grape variety that originated in Bordeaux, France.
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Here is a list of some of South Africa’s top sauvignon blanc wines and where to enjoy them:
Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Containing a dash of semillon and aged in oak barrels, this wine reflects a shimmering straw colour. With fruity aromas of ripe nectarine, passion fruit, gooseberries and fig, the taste of Cape Point Vineyards’ signature sauvignon blanc is layered with racy acidity and hints of oak spice. The blend is made in the Cape Peninsula against the slopes of Chapman’s Peak, complemented by cool sea breezes.
Although the Cape Point Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc is a delight on its own, its complexity allows for wonderful food pairings, such as chevin and brie cheeses, pasta, poultry and fish.
Where to enjoy it:
The Cape Point Vineyards Restaurant
- Times: Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 3pm
- Location: Silvermine Road, Noordhoek, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 789 0900 | [email protected]
De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc 2022
This complex wine features layers of minerality as well as notes of lime, tropical fruits and fresh herbs. The grapes are grown on the fynbos-covered slopes of the Tygerberg. De Grendel prides itself on combining wines from different regions to create award-winning blends.
The 2022 De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc is paired excellently with Cajun-spiced calamari, grilled cod, goat’s cheese or tempura prawns. While it is ready to be enjoyed, the wine does have an ageing potential of three to four years, which will allow for a richer taste and well-integrated acidity.
Where to enjoy it:
De Grendel Restaurant
- Times: Wednesday to Sunday lunch: 11:30am to 1:30pm | Tuesday to Saturday dinner: 6pm to 8pm | Closed on Mondays
- Location: Plattekloof Road, Panorama, Cape Town
- Contact: 021 558 7035 | [email protected] | Bookings are essential to gain access to the estate
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Z Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2021
This crisp, dry and medium-bodied aperitif features concentrated aromas of blackcurrant bud, gooseberry and citrus with a subtle oak spice and undertones of natural lime acidity. Its grapes are grown from 20-year-old vines that are planted on the coolest site of the Zevenwacht Farm, situated on the Stellenbosch Wine Route. The farm has a 300-year history, and although winemaker Hagen Viljoen honours traditional wine-making methods, innovative techniques are also incorporated.
The Z Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2021 has been barrel fermented and aged on the lees for nine months to give it a mid-palate weight and has a maturing potential of between three and five years. Some food pairings include seared tuna, salmon and oysters, or even steamed asparagus with hollandaise sauce.
Where to enjoy it:
Zevenwacht Restaurant
- Times: Monday to Saturday, 7:30am to 11pm | Sunday, 7:30am to 5pm
- Location: Zevenwacht Wine Estate, Langverwacht Road, Kuils River, Cape Town,
- Contact: [email protected]
Bonnievale The River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022
This particular wine is reminiscent of a tropical fruit salad, resulting in a distinguished flavour. With a flinty undertone of the grit of vineyard soils, Bonnievale The River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is complemented by a certain herbiness.
Bonnievale Wines creates blends that represent the slopes, soils and climate they originate from, and the winery takes pride in cultivating varieties with ideal terroir. Pairings for this sauvignon blanc call for creamy, delicate cheeses such as brie and camembert. The winery’s tasting room offers a delicious pizza or chocolate pairing to complement this wine.
Where to enjoy it:
Bonnievale Wine Cellar
- Times: Bookings essential
- Location: R317, Bonnievale
- Contact: 023 616 2795 | [email protected]
Paul Clüver Village Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Bright with a slight green hue, the Paul Clüver Village Sauvignon Blanc 2022 offers a palate blend of passion fruit, blackcurrant and grapefruit with hints of mineral notes. With a balanced acidity and lingering finish, the expression of the nose follows through to the palate. Paul Clüver Family Wines incorporates gentle pressing and careful attention to ensure a more complex quality wine with a richer mid-palate. The sauvignon blanc is blended with 10% semillon.
This wine is ideal as an aperitif, although it pairs well with salads and seafood dishes. During Autumn and Winter, richer seafood and cheese platters complement the fresh taste.
Where to enjoy it:
Paul Clüver Family Wines restaurant
- Times: Monday to Sunday | Breakfast: 8am to 11am | Lunch: 12pm to 4pm
- Location: De Rust Estate, N2 Grabouw
- Contact: 021 844 0607 or book on Dineplan
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