Thirsty tales

Taste the Best South African Wines During Wine bar Week

zuid-afrikaanse wijn

I’m crazy about South African wine, with Chenin Blanc – made from the country’s most widely planted grape – leading the way. But I also love drinking Vonkelwijn and Chardonnay from South Africa. And to introduce even more people to the wonderful wines from South Africa, a special Wine bar Week will take place from 17 to 27 August. During this week, 17 wine bars throughout the Netherlands will serve a special WoSA (Wines of South Africa) wine flight. That means you can taste 3 different South African wines at an attractive price. I say: go for it!

Foto van culinair journalist Sharon van Lokhorst

The selection of wines differs from one wine bar to another, but at each wine bar you’ll taste three different styles, including a Cap Classique, a white and a red wine from South Africa.

Cap Classique

Unmistakably South African is Vonkelwijn; it is South Africa’s answer to Champagne, made using the same method, known in South Africa as ‘Cap Classique’. Most Vonkelwijnen come from cooler regions and are based on pinot noir and chardonnay, but sometimes other grapes are allowed to join in, such as chenin blanc.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin blanc is South Africa’s signature grape, producing a wide range of wines bearing the same name. This grape can truly go in any direction. From bone-dry to intensely sweet and from still to sparkling; chenin blanc is a wonder grape that can do it all. The easiest-drinking terrace-park-boat-beach wines are the best known in the Netherlands. Not too expensive, often with a screw cap. Nothing pretentious, just easy to drink.

Yet ambitious producers in South Africa make magnificent wines from chenin blanc. They seek out the best soils, often with old vines, and the optimal climate. And that produces precisely the gems you (usually) won’t find in the supermarket, but will find in the hospitality industry.

Participating wine bars

And the great thing about this wine flight, besides tasting the different wines, is that the people at the wine bar are happy to tell you more about the wines, so you really learn something too.

Wine bar Week participants

Chenin Blanc at the table

You can also enjoy endless meals with Chenin Blanc. So, if you’ve become just as devoted to this wonder grape as I am after such a wine flight, pick up a bottle to enjoy at home too. The fresh, dry version is delicious with Asian food. But it also goes well with seafood and subtle (fish) dishes. With lemon, because that combines well with Chenin’s acidity. So fresh salads with a touch of lemon, such as artichokes with vinaigrette and avocado with prawns, are an excellent match. The sweet versions are irresistible with blue cheeses and apple desserts.

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