Wines Hemel-en-Aarde Southern Right - 2024 - 2024

Viniou Reviews

Southern Right's 2024 Cuvée hails from the cool-climate Hemel-en-Aarde appellation, nestled within South Africa's renowned Cape South Coast. This white wine, crafted with a natural approach, showcases a luminous profile rooted in sustainable viticulture. Although the precise blend is not specified, Southern Right has a strong reputation for varietal whites—most famously Sauvignon Blanc—and this cuvée is intended to communicate the region's maritime freshness. 2024 promises an expressive vintage: late ripening on weathered, clay-rich soils supports a fine balance of aromatic intensity and bracing acidity. The natural winemaking philosophy is evident in the wine's clarity, energy, and understated minerality, while fermentation and élevage are managed gently to preserve primary fruit purity and regional transparency.

Hemel-en-Aarde, meaning "Heaven and Earth" in Afrikaans, is acclaimed for its proximity to the cooling breezes of the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal influence tempers daytime heat, granting the grapes a long ripening period and complex flavour development. The region's soils, a mixture of clay and gravel with ancient shale, impart distinctive mineral and saline notes, crucial for structured, lively white wines. Hemel-en-Aarde has only relatively recently emerged as a premier terroir, yet its focus on quality and sustainable practices has garnered international attention.

This vibrant white is a superb match for a vast array of seafood, particularly local South African shellfish such as kingklip or prawns gently grilled with lemon and herbs. Its zesty acidity and hint of saline minerality make it a natural partner for fresh oysters, sushi, or a simple tartare of line-caught fish. For a local pairing, consider Cape Malay seafood curry—the wine's freshness will lift the lighter spices and cleanse the palate. Soft goat's cheese and green asparagus risotto are further harmonious choices.

For optimum expression, serve this wine well-chilled at 8-10°C. A lightly flared glass will encourage the delicate aromatics to unfold. The wine drinks beautifully in its youth for maximum vibrancy, but a year or two of cellaring will reward those seeking increased complexity.