WOOLWORTHS PORCUPINE RIDGE SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON 2016, R59.95
Porcupine Ridge is one of the ranges produced at Boekenhoutskloof – it’s named after the crested porcupine found on the farm outside Franschhoek. Grapes come from all parts of the Cape and Woolies has carefully selected those used to blend this exclusive wine.
Look for: The word “Sauvignon” means “wild” and the zesty zing of this Sauvignon Blanc is tamed and given mouthfeel and texture from the gentle oak maturation of the old- vine Semillon grown at Boekenhoutskloof.
Match with: Tuna tartare or Creamy lemon-pepper mussels.
WOOLWORTHS THELEMA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016, R89.95
Gyles Webb established Thelema Mountain Vineyards high on the slopes of the Simonsberg mountains in 1983 and it has been a successful family-run winery since then. In 2002 he bought Sutherland, an apple farm in the cool Elgin wine region, and planted wine grapes including the carefully selected Sauvignon Blanc grapes for this wine.
Look for: On the nose there’s lime, green pepper, gooseberry and a touch of dried fig. The medium-bodied palate is vivacious and fruity with bright lemon-lime acidity.
Match with: Winemaker Rudi Schultz recommends a flaky white fish, grilled in butter with fennel, or try: Fish and fennel crumble
WOOLWORTHS KLEINE ZALZE CHENIN BLANC 2016, R49.95
Kleine Zalze is a large winery with the mentality and ambition of a much smaller one. Its team scours the Cape winelands to find grapes that enable winemakers Alastair Rimmer and RJ Botha to make wines that combine “the intensity of the ‘new world’, with its full fruit flavours, with the elegance and structure of the ‘oldworld’.”
Look for: The lush tropical flavours of pineapple and guava are balanced by lemon-lime freshness with the subtle oaking, giving the palate texture and a light creaminess.
Match with: Oysters, sushi or lightly grilled salmon with spring vegetables such as asparagus or peas. Or try: Japanese maki rolls with miso-tofu soup
WOOLWORTHS SPIER PEACHY CHENIN BLANC 2016, R39.95
When asked to describe his wine, Anton Swarts says: “I imagine myself walking among towering peach trees with the sun on my face and cool afternoon breeze on my cheek. I pick a ripe, juicy peach and bite into it. The sweet fruitiness floods my palate and a warm feeling fills my heart.” Sounds good enough to drink!
Look for: Flavours of ripe white peach with apricot, guava and subtle litchi notes. The juicy and flavourful palate with vibrant, limey acidity gives freshness and length. Match with: Anton suggests wrapping cubes of ripe sweet spanspek in Parma ham and serving on skewers with shavings of pecorino cheese. Or try: Sweet melon and pomegranate salad with caper berries.
WOOLWORTHS DE WETSHOF LIMESTONE HILL CHARDONNAY 2016, R79.95
De Wetshof utilises the clay limestone soils of the Robertson wine area to produce five unique Chardonnays, of which cellarmaster Danie de Wet says: “Due to geographical origin, clonal selection and winemaking style, each has its own style and is an expression of site”.
Look for: An exhilarating bouquet of grapefruit, stone fruit and nuts lead to a sleek, chalky palate with marked minerality and a fine acidity cutting through the richness of the fruit.
Match with: Fresh oysters, a classic Caesar salad, shellfish with a creamy sauce, or white-rind cheeses such as Brie and Camembert.
WOOLWORTHS GRAND BLANC 2016, R49.95
The brand-new Grand Blanc is a welcome white wine partner for the Grand Rouge, a Woolies bestseller for more than 20 years. The secret of these “Grand” wines is in the blending, with the aim of combining seriously good fruit and flavour appeal with easy drinkability. The Grand Blanc blends unwooded Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc with lightly wooded Viognier and Grenache Blanc.
Look for: A “leap-out-the-glass” nose with engaging wafts of pineapple, granadilla and white peach, followed by an approachable palate with an enticing hint of wood spice.
Match with: Winemaker Eugene van Zyl says its light, aromatic fragrance makes the wine a perfect partner for Asian-inspired cuisine.
WOOLWORTHS GRAHAM BECK ALLURE CHARDONNAY PINOT NOIR 2016, R64.95
The great wine grapes of Burgundy – Chardonnay (white) and Pinot Noir (red) – marry to create a wine that’s proudly South African. Enticing, captivating, alluring, says the Woolworths wine team. Try it and see.
Look for: The colour shows the slightest tinge of pink from the 40% Pinot Noir component. The Chardonnay provides aromas of fresh citrus fruit and nectarine, while the Pinot Noir adds subtle raspberry and strawberry notes. The palate bursts with ripe lemons and grapefruit, has finely balanced acidity and ends with a flourish of red berry freshness courtesy of the Pinot Noir.
Match with: Fresh salmon sashimi or a crisp summer salad.
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