When facing a blank computer screen in an attempt to approach the topic of South African Sauvignon Blanc, I get the same feeling as when asked to write an essay on Ernest Hemingway’s Cuban period or the correct techniques for preparing a Karoo dish of sheep offal: where does one start?
Sauvignon Blanc largely falls outside the corridors of serious wine commentary and critique compared to the tomes and voices on old vineyards, regenerative farming, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and far-flung, hardy wine regions. Yet Sauvignon Blanc is in many ways South Africa’s key grape variety, in terms of commercial success and — when the scribes wish to give it attention — critical acclaim.
For the record, Sauvignon Blanc is now the second most planted grape in South Africa, coming in at 10,442ha, which is 12.1% of the country’s national vineyard of 86,525ha. With farmers keenly uprooting vineyards due to their unprofitability, Sauvignon Blanc plantings are increasing — 293ha were planted in 2025.
The reason for this continued investment in Sauvignon Blanc is, obviously, commercial. Here the variety is the top-selling varietal wine in the country, with sales of 14.1m litres in 2025. Sauvignon Blanc also leads the way in terms of exports, the 49.3m litres shipped in 2025 representing 19% of the 263.8m litres of Cape wine making its way to other shores.
The important thing is that Sauvignon Blanc’s robust commercial showing is backed up by the fact that South African Sauvignon Blanc is a category of incredible quality. Dime-a-dozen clichés can be wheeled out in an attempt to add spice to the statement, such as “among the best in the world”, “sunshine in a glass” and “Cape Sauvignon Blancs straddling New Zealand and Sancerre”.
The bottom line is that, for anybody appreciating good white wines — no matter the variety — Cape Sauvignon Blancs provide a multi-speckled palette of taste, texture and aromatic nuances that are simply dazzling when the appreciator takes a bit of time to go through a selection of these wines.
Last but not least, in Sauvignon Blanc SA, the producers of the variety have an exceptionally well-run outfit to promote the variety, its wines and the cellars themselves. I, for the life of me, cannot see why South African Sauvignon Blanc is not being represented on the global stage at next year’s Sauvignon Blanc conference in New Zealand, something I hope the organisation can organise with Wines of South Africa, but for this I am not holding my breath.
Of course, the local highlight of the year for those with a taste for this variety’s wines is the annual FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10, which this year was held for the 20th time. Some 159 wines were entered, and as usual the judges whittled the line-up down to 20 wines, of which the Top 10 were selected and announced at a stylishly festive shindig in the middle of the Welgevonden Wine Estate.
My previous point on the sheer scope of brilliance the Cape Sauvignon Blanc category offers was, once again, vindicated by tasting the Top 20 finalists. Most were from the comet 2025 vintage, and the full force of South African white wine greatness bearing a Sauvignon Blanc typicity was on display: cantaloupe and grenadilla from the inland regions such as Breedekloof; pyrazine-driven edges of cut grass and tinned peas from Darling; kelp and sea-grass salinity in Durbanville and Elgin; and on it goes. But more importantly, all 20 wines showed the winemakers’ intuitive understanding of the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety through purity and clarity, as it is only through an unblemished prism that terroir can truly show.
An important aspect of this year’s Top 10 results is that the majority of the winning Sauvignon Blancs are wooded wines, namely six — an indication that the makers in this category are definitely not just going through the motions and resting on the laurels of success the variety offers in terms of inherent grape quality together with regional differentiation. Vision and creativity are here as discernible as in any of South Africa’s wine categories, and more so than in most of the others.
Herewith the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 for 2026 with a few personal comments.
Carmen Stevens Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (wooded), Cape Town, Coastal Region
A quietly confident white that unfolds, slowly, in the glass. Meyer lemon zest brightens the calm entry, while a whisper of white blossom softens the edges. The palate feels supple rather than sharp, with chalky texture carrying through to a long, saline close. There is a feminine warmth here, but it never slips into post-Ozempic heaviness. Beautifully balanced.
De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (wooded), Cape West Coast, Coastal Region
The best wine farm in Bothasig, here De Grendel delivers a perennially iconic Sauvignon Blanc, poised and coastal from the start. Lime leaf fragrance drifts across crushed oyster shell, giving the nose a cool marine lift. The palate is as taut and focused as the Table Mountain cableway, acidity drawn like a fine wire through citrus flesh. A polished, quietly maritime expression of the grape perfected by a veritable champion of the variety.
Groot Phesantekraal Marizanne 2025 (wooded), Cape Town, Coastal Region
Made by the second-best-looking winemaker in Durbanville, this Sauvignon Blanc has a distinctive savoury pull. Green fig skin meets lemon thyme on the nose, earthy and inviting rather than overtly fruity. The palate shows real grip, phenolic texture framing citrus flavour with gentle persistence. Acidity is fresh but integrated, allowing a slow, mouth-watering fade. There is something farm-grown and honest about it; this is a hallmark of Groot Phesantekraal.
Iona Elgin Highlands Sauvignon Blanc 2026 (unwooded), Elgin, Cape South Coast
From cool Elgin heights, this is all delicacy and mountain air. White peach perfume hovers above lime blossom, light-footed and pure. The palate glides, fine-boned acidity lending shape without aggression. A stony undercurrent gives focus, drawing the flavour out long and clean. Nothing feels forced; everything feels lifted. It finishes with a breath of herbs and sea mist. Exquisitely poised and youthful now, it will reward patience.
La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (wooded), Cape South Coast
A Franschhoek classic marque, grapes from breezy Elim. Quince aroma opens gently, edged with fresh fennel that keeps it lively. The palate is rounded and softly textured, lees contact lending creaminess around a vibrant citrus core. Balance is the story here, richness held in check by neat acidity. The close is mellow and lingering, with a trace of honeyed warmth. Approachable yet considered, it feels made for the table.
Lomond Seven Rows Ben Nevis Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (wooded), Cape Agulhas, Cape South Coast
Cape Agulhas coolness shines in this single-vineyard bottling. Blackcurrant leaf scent mingles with wet stone, wild and windswept. The palate is vivid and tensile, acidity crackling through grapefruit flesh with real energy. A chalky mineral line steadies the finish, long and mouth-watering. There is tension and drama without excess weight. Striking in youth, it should settle beautifully. For lovers of edgy, Atlantic-influenced whites, this is compelling and full of place.
Quoin Rock Nicobar Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (wooded), Western Cape
A Simonsberg white of polished intent. Passionfruit perfume is muted, woven through with orange blossom and soft spice. The palate feels layered and silky, barrel maturity rounding the edges while citrus drive remains. Texture leads rather than aroma, creamy yet fresh. The finish is broad and gently warming, with lingering flavour. Luxurious in feel but not heavy.
Steenberg Black Swan 2025 (unwooded), Constantia, Coastal Region
From Constantia’s cool slopes, this has immediate allure. Fig leaf fragrance lifts above lime cordial, green yet refined. The palate is sleek and concentrated, acidity bright and beautifully judged. Flinty texture adds intrigue, carrying flavour with quiet momentum. The close is pure and enduring, with a saline flicker. Elegant rather than showy, it whispers instead of shouting. A graceful, vineyard-driven white of real finesse and poise.
Tokara Reserve Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (unwooded), Elgin, Cape South Coast
Clear and precise, this Sauvignon Blanc has a composed power. Nectarine skin aroma deepens into lemon curd with air, rich yet precise. The palate is dense and finely structured for an unwooded wine. Acidity runs through like citrus pith, keeping the richness vibrant. The finish is long and creamy. Serious and age-worthy, it asks for time in glass.
Wildeberg Terroirs Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (unwooded), Stellenbosch, Coastal Region
A Franschhoek mountain farm, this is a Stellenbosch Banghoek bottling full of energy. Pear skin scent meets fresh lime, bright and unforced. The palate dances, juicy acidity lifting stone-fruit flavour across a fine, dusty texture. There is a herbal whisper underneath that adds interest without weight. The finish is clean and thirst-quenching, inviting another sip. Joyful yet precise, it captures high-country freshness. Perfect for sunny lunches and simple seafood. An expressive, effortlessly drinkable mountain white.
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