Elgin Highlands Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc (DNP)

Norwegian salmon terrine.

The 2022 vintage experienced a typical cold Elgin winter, with snow on the high mountain peaks and above average rainfall, which enabled good vine dormancy. Spring was characterised by cold and wet conditions, resulting in later bud break. The cold, wet and windy conditions continued into October and November causing uneven flowering. The uneven flowering resulted in smaller berries that have good concentration of flavours. From January to April we experienced exceptional weather for the ripening of grapes. The second part of the season was characterised by warm and dry weather conditions and very cold nighttime temperatures, which helped preserve the natural acid of the grapes. Late season disease was significantly less than previous years, allowing us to pick healthy grapes with wonderful intensity and concentration of flavours. The above average rainfall in winter and spring helped nourish the soils and helped the vine focus on grape ripening rather than vegetative growth, in the warmer conditions. The net result of the later vintage and weather conditions in 2022, is that grapes had high natural acidity, achieved steady phenolic ripeness and plenty of intense and concentrated flavours.

The wine was aged for 11 months in barrel, before it was racked and blended in stainless steel tanks. The wine aged for a further 3 months in tank and was clarified and stabilised naturally and lightly filtered before being bottled.

The grapes were hand-picked and whole bunch pressed. The juice was settled for 12 hours before being racked to 500L French oak barrels (2nd, 3rd and 4th fill). Fermentation was spontaneous and the temperature was kept between 18-22°C.

Iona is a cool-climate Elgin wine estate focused on expressing its distinctive soils and maritime-influenced vineyards through sustainable farming and minimal intervention. Best known for Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, Iona produces precise South African wines defined by freshness, purity and a strong sense of place.