“THERE’S SOMETHING strange happening in South Africa’s Semillon vineyards. Green bunches turn red the one year, then back to green the next. Hung like Christmas baubles on gnarled bushvines, the shapeshifting clusters are an enduring mystery” – Malu Lambert talking about Semillon Gris in Decanter (UK). Full article here.

One of the Semillons recommended in the piece is La Colline Vineyard from winemaker Chris Alheit, based in the Hemel-en-Aarde outside Hermanus. Alheit is among a number of producers who buy in grapes grown on one of the country’s oldest blocks, La Colline in Franschhoek, and his Semillon (R550pb) is one of 14 included in the SA Wine Classification. Another example of this variety worth seeking out is The Mentors from the KWV in Paarl, one of several to receive good reviews during the past year and retailing for under R150pb.