Elgin Sauvignon Blanc

Seafood, Asparagus, Artichokes, Boursin Cheese

Grapes were sourced from a selection of low-yielding (6 – 7 t/ha) vineyard blocks located on DB Rust’s farm Constantia. The soils are deep red Oakleaf and Hutton ensuring excellent water-retention and adding structure and fullness to the wines. The vines have been planted in such a way to benefit optimally from the cool Benguela current sea breezes. These breezes cause summer temperatures to range between 20 – 30°C.

40% of the Sauvignon Blanc underwent barrel fermentation in 100% first fill 500L untoasted Sylvain French oak barrels. The barrels were rolled once weekly after fermentation, followed by once a month for four months. Barrel maturation lasted for four months before blending and bottling took place. This allowed for the retention of the fruit component.

Harvesting occurred at optimal ripeness when the grapes were between 22 – 23° Balling. Picking was done in the early morning hours to ensure the grapes arrived cool at the cellar. Dry ice and sulphur were added prior to transport to protect the grapes from oxidation. Skin contact was given for three hours and thereafter the free-run juice was separated from the pressed juice. Reductive winemaking practices were followed to retain as much flavour and complexity in the wine as possible. 60% of the Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in stainless steel tanks, the juice was inoculated and fermentation temperature was kept at around 12°C for three weeks.

From the heart of South Africa’s sought-after Swartland – one of the most dynamic wine regions in the Southern Hemisphere – comes a wine range reflecting its distinctive roots. SURVIVOR. Vibrant wines with an exciting story to tell. Mainly high potential Hutton and Oakleaf soils with high water retention which are suited for the production of premium quality cultivars. These soils provide a longer window period for optimum ripeness without losing any flavours. Supplementary irrigation is advantageous during dry seasons or heat waves as it can be utilised to maintain quality. The vines are situated in such a way that the cooling effect of the Benguela sea breezes is optimised. Due to this the farm is situated most likely in one of the coolest Swartland areas. Our Elgin wines are represented by pure fruit flavours supported by an underlying minerality. This wine from Elgin are by definition an expression of their terroir