Château Bastor-Lamontagne Sauternes 750 ml, R869.99, Woolworths.
Don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with Sauternes. In South Africa, it probably deserves a better publicist, but one glass is usually enough to convert the sceptics. Named after the area in Bordeaux where it’s made, rather than a grape, Sauternes is a rich, sweet white wine traditionally served chilled in small pours. And while it’s often thought of as a dessert wine, there’s no reason to save it for pudding.
Why we love it:
This organic Bordeaux balances candied orange and apricot with bright acidity and freshness, proving sweet wines can be every bit as elegant as their dry counterparts. Sauternes may have a reputation as an after-dinner affair, but try it with roast chicken or mildly spicy Asian dishes, like a Thai red curry.
