The area is planted largely with Riesling, Sauvignon blanc and Pinot noir. Winemakers in the Western Cape have experimented blending Chardonnay with Riesling and Sauvignon blanc. The limestone geology also suits Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon blanc. Unlike Chardonnay, most Riesling do not undergo malolactic fermentation. Hoping to increase sales, Lett started to graft Riesling vines to Pinot gris in 1979. Some varieties are well-known, such as the Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Riesling. Riesling wines are usually varietally pure and are seldom oaked. The first wines produced were made from Riesling, Muscatel, Traminer and Chasselas grapes. The wines have historically been predominantly white, and the finest made from Riesling. Michelle produces over 8,000,000 cases of Riesling wine per year. Also produced in that year were superior quality wines of Muller Thurgau, Riesling and Pinotage. Michelle is the worldwide leader in the production of Riesling wines by volume. It is famous for Rheingau wines, especially the "Rheingauer Riesling," and its many taverns. Small amounts of Red Riesling are grown in Germany and Austria. Other Riesling/Silvaner crosses include the Palatinate regional favorite Scheurebe and Rieslaner.