Sauvignon Blanc

This Sauvignon Blanc is highly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is an excellent match for seafood such as oysters, grilled fish, and prawns, as well as sushi and sashimi. It also complements light salads, goat cheese, and dishes with fresh herbs or citrus-based sauces. The wine's bright acidity makes it a refreshing aperitif and a perfect choice for warm-weather dining.

The Sauvignon Blanc grapes used for this wine are sourced from Buitenverwachting’s estate vineyards, located on the eastern slopes of the Constantiaberg mountain range. The vineyards benefit from the cool maritime influence, which helps to retain acidity and preserve the aromatic intensity of the grapes. The soils are primarily decomposed granite and sandstone, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine’s mineral character. The estate employs sustainable farming practices, focusing on low yields to ensure high-quality fruit.

The Buitenverwachting Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is aged on its fine lees for a few months in stainless steel tanks before bottling. This lees contact adds a subtle creamy texture and enhances the wine's complexity without overshadowing its fresh fruit character. The wine is not aged in oak, ensuring that the primary flavors and aromas of the Sauvignon Blanc grape are highlighted.

After hand-harvesting, the grapes are carefully sorted to ensure only the best quality fruit is used. The juice is cold-settled and then fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh fruit flavors and aromatic intensity. Fermentation is carried out using a combination of natural and selected yeasts to enhance complexity and express the varietal character. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation, which helps to maintain its crisp acidity and vibrant profile.

This beautiful farm on the east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg and barely 12km from False Bay originally formed part of the Constantia Estate which was founded by Simon van der Stel the first Governor of the new Dutch colony at the tip of Africa. First sold as a 200 morgen sub-division to Cornelis Brink in 1773 Buitenverwachting changed hands all too often. And yet it flourished as a wine farm due mainly to the 90 000 vines planted in 1825 by Ryk Arnoldus Cloete brother of the famous Hendrik Cloete of Constantia. From 1866 the fortunes of Buitenverwachting were inextricably linked to those of the Louw and Lategan families. One of the most colourful characters was Oom Danie Lategan whose trademark was the freshly picked camelia he wore on his lapel every day. It was his daughter Olivia Lategan who was to forge the link between the Lategans and the Louws. Born at Buitenverwachting she returned as mistress of the farm when she married George Louw. Imbued with a sense of history the Mueller family has retraced the roots of Buitenverwachting. The farm was lovingly restored to its former glory while extensive planting of the most selected of cultivars was initiated. The result was a maiden grape harvest of 100 tonnes - the first harvest the farm had seen in 30 years. An historic achievement that lived up to its name: Buitenverwachting - Beyond Expectation.