Here’s a delicious and utterly unique white blend from South Africa that combines a host of varieties you’ve likely never seen together before: 62% Chenin Blanc (the key white variety of the Swartland region), 10% Clairette, 9% Viognier,  7% Grenache Blanc, 6% Sémillon Gris, and 6% Verdelho. These varieties, which not only show a diversity of viticultural influences in this part of the world, grow in different parts of the geologically diverse Swartland appellation: some Chenin and Grenache is grown in stony schist in Kasteelburg; another old-vine Chenin parcel, along with similarly old (40+ years) plots of Clairette and Sémillon Gris in decomposed granite in Paardeberg; and Viogner grown in the iron-rich hills of Malmesbury. Barrel-fermented and aged, this is a fascinating wine, hinting at everything from white Bordeaux to white Rhône to Savennières from the Loire Valley. Textured, aromatic, and lip-smackingly delicious!