| The whites wines offer typical flavor | | | | blending component. Plantings in the Cape are |
| characteristics for the varietals, but draw | | | | miniscule. |
| elements from both traditional and New World | | | | Muscat d'Alexandrie (Hanepoot) - One of the |
| styles, balanced with good acidity. | | | | world's most widely planted and versatile varieties, |
| Bukettraube - Developed in Germany, produces | | | | locally it was probably developed from 'Spaanse |
| quality wines with a distinctive Muscat bouquet. | | | | Dryven' (Spanish Grape) cuttings introduced to |
| South Africa is one of the few wine-producing | | | | South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck in the 1650s. |
| countries worldwide to bottle Bukettraube as a | | | | Nowhere else does it form such a high |
| single varietal wine. | | | | percentage of a country's total grape harvest as |
| Cape Riesling (Crouchen Blanc) - The variety was | | | | in South Africa, where it is used especially for |
| wrongly regarded for many years as Weisser | | | | dessert wine, as well as natural wine and raisins. |
| Riesling (Rhine Riesling) but was later identified as | | | | Hanepoot delivers a strong, flowery bouquet and |
| the Crouchen Blanc of France. A shy bearer which | | | | intense honey flavour. |
| can produce quality white wines with a delicate | | | | Muscadel - Used chiefly in dessert wines, it gives |
| yet fruity bouquet and sharp grassy aroma if | | | | an intense, raisin-like bouquet and was historically |
| growth and ripening conditions are ideal. | | | | associated with the famous Constantia dessert |
| Chardonnay - A native of Burgundy, this variety is | | | | wines. Red and white grapes grow mainly in the |
| widely planted throughout the New World. Locally, | | | | Breede River region. It belongs to the Muscat |
| much experimentation has been taking place with | | | | family. |
| barrel fermentation and oak ageing of | | | | Nouvelle - This grape, a crossing of Semillon and |
| Chardonnay, and excellent wines in a number of | | | | Crouchen Blanc (better known as Cape Riesling), |
| styles are being produced. It is also used in some | | | | was developed in South Africa by Professor CJ |
| of the base wines from which Cap Classique | | | | Orffer of Stellenbosch University. While plantings |
| sparkling wines are made as well as in white | | | | remain tiny they are increasing, mainly for inclusion |
| blends, an increasingly successful category. | | | | in blends. It produces wines with a strong grassy, |
| Chenel - A local cross between Chenin Blanc and | | | | green peppery character. |
| Ugni Blanc which produces a white wine of | | | | Palomino (White French Grape) - A heavy bearer, |
| reasonable quality. | | | | low in sugar and acid. Used mainly for making |
| Chenin Blanc (Steen) - The most widely cultivated | | | | sherry and brandy. It produces a neutral wine, |
| variety in the Cape, growers are raising the | | | | best enjoyed young. |
| standard to new levels. Characterised by its | | | | Pinot Gris - Planted on a very small scale in South |
| versatility, Chenin Blanc produces good natural | | | | Africa. Produces wines which are full and well |
| wines covering the whole spectrum from sweet | | | | balanced. |
| to dry, as well as sherry and sparkling wine. Its | | | | Sauvignon Blanc - In combination with Semillon and |
| fruitiness finds favour with a wide range of | | | | Muscadel these grapes produce some of the |
| palates. It is also used for distilling brandy and | | | | most exceptional white wines of Bordeaux, |
| spirits. | | | | including the sweetest Sauternes and driest |
| Clairette Blanche - Although it is seldom used as a | | | | Graves. These wines have a distinctive green |
| single variety, its presence is an essential in many | | | | peppery or grassy character, and are often aged |
| of our light, fruity wines - unusually low in alcohol | | | | in wood (sometimes labelled Blanc Fumé). |
| and acid content. | | | | Extensively planted in the 18th century, Sauvignon |
| Colombar(d) - Planted especially in the Breede | | | | Blanc has now regained popularity and |
| River region, this variety produces a quality wine | | | | considerably increased its share of plantings. There |
| in the warmer areas. Good acid content ensures | | | | are some leading local examples which have |
| fresh, interesting wines with a pleasant fruity | | | | garnered international attention. |
| flavour. | | | | Semillon (Green Grape) - Produces a full yet |
| Emerald Riesling - A relatively new variety from | | | | subtle wine with little acid; often used in blends. |
| California which made its commercial debut in | | | | Locally, some outstanding wooded varietal wines |
| 1981. The wines are flavourful and fruity. | | | | have been produced from this grape variety |
| Gewürztraminer - A delicate aromatic | | | | which once represented 93% of all Cape vines |
| flavour profile with an easily identifiable rose-petal | | | | and now accounts for only about 1%. |
| fragrance; usually produces a light, off-dry wine. | | | | Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano) - Slightly neutral, thin wines |
| Grenache (Blanc) - Related to the more widely | | | | which are used almost exclusively in brandy |
| known Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc originated in | | | | production. |
| Spain where it still plays a role in the wines of | | | | Viognier - Becoming increasingly fashionable |
| Rioja and Navarre. It spread to France, where it is | | | | internationally, this variety has been grown for |
| the fourth most widely planted white grape | | | | centuries in the northern half of the Rhône |
| variety and thrives in the Rhône valley and | | | | valley in France. An early ripener, it produces |
| Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It has a crisp acidity | | | | delicate complex wines with peach, apricot, honey |
| and produces rich, full wines with clean green | | | | and spice aromas under the right conditions. It is |
| apple fruit aromas and flavours. It has a long, | | | | also sometimes blended with Shiraz (to a |
| lingering finish and can stand on its own or as a | | | | maximum of 20%). |