WHITE wine is often considered a drink for warm and sunny days, it’s something you drink when you’re trying to have a slight buzz and people love it because you don’t have to fully commit to it.

In other words, people don’t think that white wine makes such a big and bold statement the way that red wine does and I highly disagree. 

When it comes to choosing white wine in winter, I think it’s useful to keep in mind that you want a wine that has a heavy body, a high acidity and does not need to be chilled to the point where it’s wearing a vest in order to enjoy it. Chilling white wine almost to the freezing point is a big misconception because when the wine is that cold, it shuts down all the flavours that you would be tasting.

Heavier and richer varieties such as Chardonnay perform best in room temperature settings. I think what surprises people the most is that white wine pairs impeccably well with winter dishes. I have always said that red wines with high tannins overpower meals and I preferred drinking them on their own but if you paired it with a concentrated Viognier (I suggest the Saronsberg 2017 Viognier) or a Chenin Blanc, you would really understand the poetry between food and wine. 

WINE VARIETIES TO TRY THIS WINTER: 

Champagne:

You want to try older Champagnes/MCC that has a nutty biscuit flavour to them. Try vintages like the new Pongàcz vintage 2011 Desjaar, Villeria Brut MCC and Krone 2018 vintage cuvée. I highly recommend drinking Champagne/MCC with meals as well, it gives you an experience with your food. 

Chardonnay:

People tend to run away from oaked chardonnay’s but this is a great time to give them a try. You want a Chardonnay that is concentrated, full of fruity flavours and has a medium to high acidity. I recommend V1 Journeys End vintage 2018 Chardonnay (Limited Edition), Journeys End 2015 Destination Chardonnay and the Restless River Ava Marie 2017. 

Chenin Blanc:

Chenin was born to reign during all seasons but especially winter. This grape is the epitome of what a white wine should be and taste like in winter because of its high acidity and its ability to lift a heavy meal in winter even though it has a light to medium body. I recommend trying the DeMorgenzon Reserve  2018 Chenin Blanc, Flagstone 2018 Chenin Blanc, Cederberg Cellars Five Generations 2015 Chenin Blanc and Rijk’s Cellar Touch of Oak 2017 Chenin Blanc. 

Riesling:

Riesling is a grape that originated from the Rhine River region and runs through sections of Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland. It is a slightly dry and sweet-styled wine which pairs well with stews/ heavy soups. I recommend tasting the Groote Post 2012 Riesling, Paul Cluver 2017 Noble late harvest, Hartenberg 2017 Riesling and Thelema 2009 Riesling

Viognier:

The body of this wine is very similar to a Chardonnay, it is bold and creamy and can stand out when paired with dense meals. A couple of suggestions to try are the Saronsberg 2017 Viognier (it deserves a second mention), Noble Hill Viognier, Creation 2015 Viognier and the Ken Forrester Woolworths Reserve Collection Viognier 

I’m more than happy to hear what your suggestions are when it comes to your own winter whites!

• Check here for Lelethu’s guide to bubbly

I am a 27 year old wine enthusiast who has had a passion for the artistry of wine for the last 7 years. I have turned that passion into a business of reviewing wine estates and vintages and along the way I’ve been able to share it through creating my own wine tasting events and being honoured in the Wine Industry’s 30 under 30. 
Being a column writer for 041online is another chapter of this wonderful journey I’ve been on and I look forward to sharing my thoughts and experiences with you all. 
Lelethu Zondani
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