Mick O'Connel - Business Post | South African Wines

South African Wine Recommendation by Mick O'Connel - Business Post 

"South Africa is one of the most exciting countries for wine production on the planet. Its huge diversity of soils and climates, along with old vines, are perfect ingredients, and a fraternal mentality bonding its producers is bringing them all together. 

In terms of white wines, chenin blanc is the variety that has been most synonymous with South Africa, but an incredible array of other varieties are planted and also do well. In coastal areas both sauvignon blanc and chardonnay perform well; Cape Point and Tokara are delicious examples of the latter, and Hamilton Russell and Kershaw delightful examples of the former. 

Groot Constantia Gouveneurs White Blend, 92pts 

"This is one of the most exciting white styles that South Africa makes - a Bordeaux-style blend that works beautifully here. Incredibly, Groot Constantia has been farming grapes since 1685, long before many in Bordeaux, so we may have to change the name of that blend. This wine is crisp, but rich and textured. Keep an eye out too for the wines of the brilliant Duncan Savage." - €43

Richard Kershaw Clonal Selection Chardonnay, 94pts

"My fellow master of wine Richard Kershaw crafts this wonderful chardonnay in the cool surrounds of Elgin. Kershaw is a clone nerd and is fascinated by the difference in the final wine which subtly different plant material can impart. This is in the Burgundian vein, with a lick of complexing new oak on the driven, mineral palate." - €59