We’ve compiled a quick list of some of our favourite South African wines to try this summer.

Varying from gorgeous MCCs both High End and entry-level to a variation of white cultivars that are best-enjoyed shaded from the sun and preferably chilled as well as a charming Cab Sav’ we feel deserved to be savoured over alfresco dinners at sunset because summer is not only for White Wines & MCC.

Look out for our other lists throughout the year, the next being a Rose focused list with both Sparkling and Still wines.

If you have any suggestions or we’ve missed your favourites leave us a comment on any of our social pages or in the comments below.

Happy sipping!

Graham Beck Cuvee Clive 2014

Elegance, finesse and complexity are hallmarks of a truly distinguished prestige cuvée – Cuvée Clive is all this and much more. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this Brut is produced only in exceptional vintages and in extremely limited quantities. Only the highest quality juice (tête de cuvée) from the first ultra gentle whole bunch pressing is considered for this special edition cuvée. Recommended selling price is R800 per bottle.

Lozarn Chardonnay 2018

Lozärn Wines present a limited edition of a unique Chardonnay, inspired by age-old pebbly soils, respect for the nurtured vines, passion for the golden grapes and dedication to our craft. Only 160 bottles of this authentic expression of terroir were produced from superb Koffie-klip soil, which were treated with passion and integrity, matured in oak for 15 months before being bottled as 2019 came to a close.

Quoin Rock MCC Brut 2013

A pinot-noir dominant release by winemaker, Jacques Maree. Hand-picked grapes are whole-bunch-pressed and the juice moved to 2nd-fill French oak barrels, where natural fermentation started. The base wine was matured in barrel for 10 months. Regular battonage (lees stirring) applied. 2nd fermentation in the bottle. The wine was bottle-aged on the lees for 52 months, then disgorged and given a further 6 months bottle maturation before being released.
Small bottle production a mere 7,600 Bottles are available.

Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2018

The Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc 2018 smells of that gift – it is an incredibly expressive wine with distinct aromas of grapefruit, melon rind, apple and a touch of lime. The palate is fresh, but without that biting acidity so often associated with this varietal.   

Rickety Bridge Old Vine Semillion 2017

A full, rich extraordinarily satiny palate of honey, nougat and citrus is perfectly balanced with caramel sweetness and a beautiful lingering creamy finish . Whole-bunch pressed and naturally fermented, the wine matured for 11 months in a combination of foudre and older 500-litre barrels. Limited production: 1 600 bottles Retail price: R450 a bottle

Groote Post’s 2019 Seasalter Sauvignon Blanc

Partially wooded with a Semillon component – is a beautifully composed complex wine with the Sauvignon’s zesty acidity and vibrancy perfectly balanced by the richer notes and fuller mouth feel added by the Semillon component. Approximate retail price: R145

Bouchard Finlayson 2017 Missionvale Chardonnay

This Chardie displays flavours of pineapple and white pear, with the slightest hint of toasted hazelnut. It shows a distinctively refreshing, savoury accent within its broad, yet harmonious, palate. The polished and creamy texture floats easily into a lengthy, expressive finish. Retails Cellar Door: R276 bottle

Windfall Mendola MCC NV

This Blanc de Blanc boasts hints of peach, guava and orange blossoms on the nose that follow through onto the palate with beautiful nutty flavours. The Mendola MCC takes its name from the childhood home of the owner of Windfall Wines’ daughter, Bianca Weingartz.

The homestead was built by Mr Monzali, an Italian engineer that hailed from Modena. When he wanted to move to South Africa, his wife was so sad at the prospect of leaving her home that he built this replica in Hilton in KwaZulu-Natal. Today, this remnant of Mr Monzali’s love and dedication to his wife is a national landmark, and the inspiration behind the name of the Windfall Wine MCC. Retails for R220.

Journey’s End V Chardonnay 2018

Expressive fruit, initially lemon and citrus, but under that, it’s more tropical and pineapple, all seamed through with crushed almond, savoury oak tones. This is a layered, complex wine, the result of cool-grown fruit carefully handled, plus barrel selection. The palate is silky, with a tangy finish from the fruit and acid combination, extending the flavours.

Only 30 barrels produced – approximate retail price: R165

Glen Carlou Gravel Quarry 2017

Gravel Quarry enjoys a remarkable history as each limited release features something new. This release is sealed with a premium grade natural cork which has been individually screened through a quality control process to ensure non-detectable cork taint. And it is naturally fermented as albeit always under the watchful eye of cellarmaster, Johnnie Calitz, the wine is allowed to take its own direction developing it’s unique profile.

All Pricing and Vintages were correct on the date that this article was published. Images Supplied.