Saurwein, Chi Riesling, 2023

£24.70

Off‑dry, cool‑climate Riesling from Elgin, spontaneously fermented in stainless steel. Floral‑citrus and stone‑fruit aromas with vibrant acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.

citrus blossom
white pear
ginger
flinty

At a glance

Producer: Saurwein
Region: Elgin
Appellation: Wine of Origin Elgin
Grape: Riesling
Vintage: 2023
Country: South Africa
Wine type: White
Alcohol: 11.5%
Size: 75.0cl
Farming: Organic — practising

Taste profile

Body: Medium
Acidity: High
Tannin: Low
Sweetness: Off-dry

What to eat with it

Thai green curry with prawns
Goat’s cheese and pear salad
Vietnamese spring rolls with nuoc cham
Spicy tuna maki

How to serve it

Serve: Cool (10–12°C)

Why Cave selected it

Rare South African Riesling balancing 14.2 g/L residual sugar with brisk acidity; expressive, food‑friendly style from Elgin with small 8,000‑bottle 2023 production.

About the wine

It's long and refreshing- a little off dry with 11.5g RS, but with cracking acidity. Chi means “life force” and Chi stands for CHIUTA, an African rain god. Situated in the fertile Elgin valley, the picturesque vineyard site inspired the creation of this crisp, handcrafted Riesling.

About Saurwein

Since Jessica Saurwein produced her first wine at Stellenbosch University, she has been trying to redeem her family’s reputation in wine. Steeped in the history of 17th century winemaking, her forefathers made “sour” wine for the Duke of Austria! Luckily, now Jessica makes some rather fine Pinot Noir and Riesling rather than sour wine. She produced just 3 barrels of her maiden vintage Nom Pinot from the celebrated Kaimansgaat vineyard, so-named for a forgotten African goddess of agriculture, and in just a few years, has added another Pinot and Riesling to the range. The future is looking very bright for Saurwein, with the announcement in August 2021 of a new home for them on a farm just outside Stanford, the imminent planting of a vineyard and full-scale regenerative agriculture project

More about Saurwein →