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Ask any South African, and they’ll tell you that we produce some of the best wine in the world.

We have a way with grapes.

We also have a way of taking wines that once fell out of favour and bringing them back into the fold.

Chardonnay was one such wine, which for a while was at the bottom of the barrel as far as wine connoisseurs were concerned.

Andrew Jefford, one of the most gifted wine writers in the world, having tasted a range of Chardonnays, including Anthonij Rupert Wyne’s Cape of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay, once credited South Africa with taking the wine to new heights and increasing international awareness.

He put this down to local winemakers’ skill in vinifying the grape, retaining its intrinsic quality and yet simultaneously expressing something unique to South Africa.

He was absolutely correct in predicting the rise and rise of Chardonnay and its international appeal, evident in a recent article by Wine Enthusiast calling South Africa the home of “exemplary Chards of brilliance and balance”, and encouraging wine lovers to add our country to their bucket list of wine destinations.

With so many appellations worthy of delicious discovery, from Stellenbosch to Elgin, Robertson to Hemel-en-Aarde, and world-class winemakers to keep an eye on, buck the norm and consider the beauty that South African Chardonnay has to offer next time you set out for a stunning golden pour.

The Wine Enthusiast went into great detail on this front, if you’re interested, in a recent 55-minute podcast:

For those wondering whether, in the coming winter months, you should be abandoning white wine altogether, I’m here to tell you that you can, and should, open a bottle of Chardonnay all year round.

Winter white wines can offer a welcome break from the heavy reds most closely associated with the season. What’s more, you’ll find that some white wines even pair better with your favourite winter dishes than reds do.

If you’re looking for two such wines to add to your shopping list, or cart (you can order these online), we’ve got your back.

The Protea range of affordable, excellent, crowd-pleasing wines consists of eight single varietal wines and is named after the flower species unique to the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Each wine bottle features a unique pattern, inspired by floral elements.

The Protea Chardonnay is particularly delightful and a staple on my wine rack.

If you want to impress or treat yourself to something a little more decadent, you can’t go wrong with the Jefford-approved Serruria Chardonnay. With a cellaring potential of four to five years, it pairs perfectly with those richer comfort foods that you’ll be enjoying when the cold starts keeping in.

Both of these wines come to you from Anthonij Rupert Wyne.

On their website, you’ll find a range of superb wines on offer, all of which will tell you why people from all over the world can’t stop talking about our Winelands.

[source:wineenthusiast]