South Africa, Stellenbosch
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Description
This blend delivers on my intention to rein in all the best qualities of a Bordeaux-style white, using the fruits of uniquely Cape terroir. This wonderfully flinty white has all manner unripe tropical flavours; gooseberries, passionfruit and hints of elderflower, the upshot of a characteristically warm Cape summer. Bringing in a small component of rare Sauvignon Blanc berries from Stellenbosch was just the ticket. - Frans K Smit, Cellar Master
Awards
4.5 stars Platter's South African Wine Guide
Certificates
Alcohol
14.03%
Analytical data
dry
Vinification
Grapes were hand-harvested, de-stemmed and hand-sorted so that the smaller berries (which have a greater concentration of fruit and tannins) were selected.
Vineyard: South-East facing slopes
The vineyards selected for this wine are all planted on vertical trellis systems ranging from 10 – 12 years old at harvest
Soil Type
Decomposed granite soils with clay subsoil
Viticulture
Average daily temperatures in the winter 10 - 12°C; summer 20 - 25°C. The annual rainfall is 450mm. The vineyards selected for this wine are all planted on vertical trellis systems ranging from 10 – 12 years old at harvest. Very low yields ensure concentrated fruit.
Maturation
Fermentation took place in open-top oak fermenters and the traditional punch-down method was done to extract color. Before racking and blending, the wine was put in new French oak barrels for 31 months to soften the tannin and ensure the optimal balance of fruit and oak integration. No fining was done and there was as little human interference as possible so that the wine truly expresses both its terroir and the time it has spent in the barrel.
Food Pairing
This wine is perfectly paired with hearty stews and complex, slow cooked foods.
