Great South African Cheese Board -Oldenburg Vineyards

Alida Ryder’s Ultimate Cheese Board

More and more, I have come to the conclusion that a good wine to accompany cheese is a white wine. Often a slightly aromatic white is a good choice, though I must admit to always falling back on to a superb Chenin Blanc. It is excellent with all manner of cheese.

Alida Ryder, one of South Africa’s most popular Bloggers, food writers and Cookbook authors, is my go-to person if ever I am looking at cooking something – anything. She has a fabulous plan for a Cheese Board. Click HERE to see more.

Nic van Aarde, Oldenburg Winemaker, barrel tasting

So, to the wine. Oldenburg Vineyards up in the cool Banghoek Valley should be high on your bucket last after lockdown. Surrounded by superb Alpinesque Mountains up the Zevenrivieren Road, here be truly sublime wines. Nic van Aarde, the Estate’s Winemaker, has recently produced some exciting whites which I would recommend with Alida’s Cheese Board.

The <CL° White Blend 2019

A Chenin Chardonnay Blend packaged in a Bordeaux shaped bottle, closed with a screw cap. Simple elegant livery. Om the glass, a pale brightshining golden straw. The aromas are of windfall oranges, ripe white fleshed peaches. The palate is a layered complex collection of spritzy granadilla, guavas and cape gooseberries. Beautiful balance and a creaminess in the aftertaste with undertow of white flowers and Granny Smith apples. Lovely glass – even in winter.

Oldenburg Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2018

Packed in a Burgundy shaped bottle, closed with a screw cap. In the glass, a pale yellow straw, gem bright. The whiffs are of desiccated pineapple, Golden Delicious apples, white flowers and an undertow of oak and its concomitant spice and vanilla. Fabulous mid palate, packed with stone fruit, especially ripe white fleshed peaches on the long luscious ending.

Dalewood Fromage Boland