Altima Sauvignon Blanc

Oysters, especially with an Asian dressing. Spring vegetables such as asparagus and peas.

Altima Farm is situated in Elandskloof, an isolated valley north of Villiersdorp which is 5km wide and is surrounded by a steep mountain range that rises 1km from the valley floor. The steep topography causes the valley to receive less direct sunlight due to the overshadowing mountains. This, together with the elevation of 600 to 850m results in an extraordinary cool climate for this valley. This unique terroir produces wines with a high natural acidity and upfront aromas. Grapes are harvested much later than other sites in the Western Cape, with harvest usually starting early in March. The vineyards produce an intense Sauvignon Blanc with a fresh expression of passion fruit, gooseberry, citrus and freshly cut grass. Another cold, wet winter resulting in good dormancy and healthy water levels prior to the growing season. The cool, wet weather continued into spring which in turn resulted in delayed but relatively even bud break, flowering and fruit set. Very favourable conditions for mildew persisted during the growing season which added pressure to canopy management. Very cool conditions during the early summer period delayed ripening and ensured that the vineyards were in very good condition going into another late vintage. Early January saw the arrival of warm temperatures which continued throughout the vintage well into March, allowing for good flavour development and gradual ripening, while maintaining the high levels of bright, vibrant acidity. An exceptional vintage which promises to deliver outstanding, age worthy wines.

The wine spent 3 - 4 months on the lees in order to build a full, well rounded palate before being blended and bottled.

The grapes were harvested by hand in the early morning at optimum ripeness levels, and transported to the cellar in refrigerated trucks. All the fruit was de-stemmed and crushed before an overnight skin contact period allowed for the maximum extraction of flavour. The free run juice was settled for 2 days, then fermented separately in stainless steel tanks.

This is a range created in recognition of the Cape of Good Hope’s vinous heritage which stretches back more than 350 years when the first Governor of the Cape planted grapes. These unique wines are the result of irreplaceable parcels of old vines and site specific terroirs. The labels reflect the grape variety as well as the origin and singular characters behind them.