White grapes

South Africa – white grape varieties

Bukettraube – South Africa is one of the few countries to bottle Bukettraube as a single varietal wine. Has distinctive Muscat style.

Chardonnay – A native of Burgundy, and one the most widely planted grapes worldwide. Suited to many climates and winemaking styles with barrel fermentation and oak ageing of Chardonnay popular. It is also used as base wines for Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines. Becoming more popular again.

Chenel – A local cross between Chenin Blanc and Ugni Blanc.

Chenin Blanc (Steen) – The most widely cultivated variety in the Cape due to its versatility with many old vines being revived. Chenin Blanc produces good wines from sweet to dry, as well as sherry and sparkling wine. Makes light bodied fresh whites to rich oaked wines from old vines

Clairette Blanche – Used in blends for fruitiness with low sugar and acid content.

Colombar (Colombard) – Planted mostly in the Breede River region. Good acid even in warmer climates, makes fresh, fruity wines.

Cape Riesling (Crouchen Blanc) – The variety was thought to be Weisser Riesling (Rhine Riesling) but was later identified as the Crouchen Blanc. Low yield with high acidity.

Gewürztraminer – A delicate aromatic flavour profile with litchi and rose-petal fragrance.

Grenache (Blanc) – Grenache Blanc originated in Spain where it is used in white wines from both Rioja and Priorat. Also found in France, particularly the Rhône valley. Still only small quantities planted but suits the Cape climate so may increase.

Marsanne – One of the Rhône valley white grapes, often used in blends. Rich and versatile in blends.

Muscat d’Alexandrie (Hanepoot) – Introduced to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck in the 1650s. Versatile and yields a high percentage of South Africa’s grape harvest, where it is used for dessert wine, as well as dry wine and raisins. Hanepoot has a distinct floral and grape like aroma and honey flavour.

Muscadel – Used chiefly in sweet fortified wines, it belongs to the Muscat family. Red and white grapes grow mainly in the Breede River region.

Nouvelle – This grape was developed in South Africa by Professor CJ Orffer of Stellenbosch University. It is a crossing of Crouchen Blanc and Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano).

Palomino – Used mainly for making sherry and brandy.

Pinot Gris (Grigio) – Very little is planted in South Africa. Can make light and fresh or rich and fruity styles.

Riesling – Suited to South Africa’s cooler climates and soil. Wines have high acidity with a honeyed spicy nose and a flowery sweetness which can age very well.

Roussanne – Another Rhône white variety with very little planted but it is gaining a following.

Sauvignon Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc is most associated with Touraine and Central vineyards of the Loire valley, or blended with Sémillon in Bordeaux including the sweet wines of Sauternes. Sometimes labelled as Blanc Fumé (or Fumé Blanc) when an oak regime is used.

Sémillon (Green Grape) – Can produce some exceptional oaked wines that age well. 93% of all Cape vines were Sémillon but now only accounts for about 1%.

Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano) – Makes neutral, thin wines used mostly in brandy production.

Viognier – Increasingly popular Rhône white variety which is sometimes blended with Syrah. Makes single variety or used in blends, it produces interesting wines with peach, apricot, honey and spice aromas. It is also used for sweet, dessert wines in South Africa.