As part of my WSET preparations I wanted to taste South African white wines, of which I haven’t tried that many yet. I bought two examples from the same producer at a local wine shop. The wines are from False Bay, which are based in the Western Cape region at the Southern tip of the African continent. There, the cooling climate from the seashore allows for the production of fresh wines despite the generally hot climate.
2022 False Bay Chenin Blanc Slow
A clear, pale lemon yellow. Very clean on the nose, with medium fruitiness. Primary flavours of stone fruit, some orange and pineapple. With a little more temperature and air, great smoky, yeasty and delicately spicy notes also appear. Dust-dry on the palate, medium body, present but well-integrated acidity. The flavour is primarily fruity, yellow fruit, just not as complex as the aromas on the nose. Solid finish. DM87.
2022 False Bay Chardonnay Crystalline
Clear in the glass, slightly darker lemon yellow. Pure and clean on the nose, but somewhat restrained at first. The wine is matured in stainless steel tanks, to my knowledge without long lees ageing. In a larger glass, slightly buttery after a few minutes, with still restrained fruit. Rather low acidity, a little thin overall. Comparatively short finish. DM84.
