Sauvignon Blanc

Immediate thoughts of summer weather delights come to mind. White fish, sushi, green salads, calamari and prawns are appropriate.

Vintage 2019 will long be remembered for the raging wildfire that swept across the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on the 11 January – less than three weeks before the first grapes were picked. We were fortunate not to be majorly impacted and brought in a healthy, yet slightly lighter crop. The reduced yield being the result of milder than normal winter temperatures. Weather conditions remained cool and relatively dry throughout February and March.

Once fermentation is complete the wine was allowed to remain on its primary lees until close to bottling.

Grapes are picked over a three week period, taking full benefit of the Sauvignon Blanc ripening spectrum and crushed as soon as they arrive from the vineyards. Following pressing and clarification through cold settling, the juice is fermented with a combination of yeast strains to further amplify the flavour diversity. The contribution made by Semillon was increased to a 14% compliment, which smooths out the edges and will positively influence the wine’s ability to age.

One of South Africa’s most awarded boutique wine estates lies in a scenic valley just an hour and a half from Cape Town called Hemel-en-Aarde or Heaven-and-Earth. Framed by great fold mountains and breath-taking ocean views it is one of the coolest wine-making regions in the Cape with duplex soil structures and sun-facing slopes. The promise of the unique terroir is harnessed by winemaker Chris Albrecht in slow-ripened flavour-rich wines of exceptional quality. Bouchard Finlayson is globally acclaimed for producing the best Pinot Noir in South Africa as well as exceptional Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs. The vineyards are surrounded by an indigenous floral conservancy alive with birdsong and wildflowers. Beyond the beauty of the farm itself you can discover the enchantments of the local area. Some of the popular attractions of nearby Hermanus include whale-watching; shark-cage diving; mountain hiking or biking; browsing art antiques and shops; and of course the white sandy beaches.