The holiday season might be coming to an end, but summer is still here! Here are four of my favourite South African wines for the last few months of summer.
Ataraxia – Sauvignon Blanc
In 2004, The Skyfields Farm became the home of Ataraxia when husband-and-wife team Kevin and Hanli Grant acquired this exceptional 47-hectare vineyard property in the beautiful Hemel-and-Aarde valley near the coastal town of Hermanus. Kevin is a self-confessed terroiriste, believing that the true quality of a wine is determined long before it reaches the cellar—by the land itself.
Greek for “a serene state of mind, free from worry and preoccupation”, Ataraxia’s wines live up to this name. Although the Hemel-and-Aarde valley and Ataraxia is best known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (which I might add are amazing) it’s Ataraxia’s Sauvignon Blanc that tickled my fancy this summer. This award-winning wine brims with purity, freshness, and a touch of passion, offering a delightful expression of Sauvignon Blanc.
Peter Falke – Blanc de Noir
The boutique winery of Peter Falke is nestled against the majestic slopes of the Helderberg Mountains in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands. Groenvlei Farm is home to magenta bougainvillea, delicate scented roses, wild lavender, and fantastic wine. One of which is their Blanc De Noir. Its blush pink hue makes it the perfect wine to enjoy while watching an African sunset. But it is the wine’s subtle aromas of strawberries and flower petals that stole my heart. I also love the crisp freshness of pomegranates on the palate.
Jakkalsvlei – Pinotage Rosé
Jakkalsvlei is situated 40km inland from the Indian Ocean next to the Langeberg Mountains. The climate is warm and dry during the summer with the ocean cooling it down at night. The northern and southern slopes on the farm give them the option of planting different cultivars. The farm’s vision is to produce fine wines from the Garden Route that reflect the complexity, richness and diversity of their unique terroir.
One of these fine wines is their Pinotage Rosé. This dry Rosé shows off a soft blush pink hue and aromas of rose petals, candy floss, and fresh red berries. Think smooth and refreshing, with hints of strawberries and cherries on the palate.
Le Chant – Chenin Blanc
French flair and South African determination have long been intertwined in the fabric of the Cape, each contributing to the rich wine legacy of our country. Le Chant embodies this enduring wine relationship, marrying Old World heritage with the contemporary New World. The farm is situated on what was formerly four separate properties, the centre of which was known as Eikenhof, a wine farm in Stellenbosch’s Polkadraai Hills.
Although their signature wine is a beautiful red blend, I really enjoyed drinking their Chenin Blanc this summer. Think aromas of stone fruit, orange blossom, and a subtle hint of white apple. I love the fresh yet mineral feel it leaves on my palate.
Here’s to summer in South Africa! Cheers!
xxx
