In your glass

Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine that owes much of its popularity to winemakers in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France. The Sauvignon Blanc taste is very different from other white wines because of its green and herbaceous flavors. The name Sauvignon Blanc means “Wild White” and the grape is related to Traminer with origins in the South of France.
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most widely planted wine grapes in the world and because of this it has a wide range of styles and flavors.

It is unclear exactly when Sauvignon was introduced to the Cape, but it was certainly planted at Groot Constantia in the late 1880 and reportedly performed well there. The first varietal Sauvignon on the market was that of Verdun (now Asara) in 1977, with Backsberg and De Wetshof joining in 1980. The oldest Sauvignon vineyards are at Spice Route, planted in 1965, and at Bloemendal, planted somewhere in the early 1970s.

Sauvignon Blanc Synonyms

Fumé Blanc (USA)
Muskat-Silvaner (Austria)
Feigentraube (Germany)
Sauvignon (Italy)

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Suggested Serving Temperatures

Unoaked 8 ºC (46 ºF)
Oaked 11 ºC (52 ºF)

The most noteworthy characteristic of Sauvignon Blanc is its unique and powerful aroma, which can awaken scents of grapefruit, flint, lime, green melon, gooseberry, passion fruit, freshly mown grass, and bell pepper.

Most Sauvignons are either made in a fresh, fruity style for early drinking, or are able to age for a few years. There are a few wooded varietal wines, but blends with Sémillon, either variety representing the major partner, are increasing, particularly in cooler, coastal areas. Botrytis-infected Sauvignon is also used for Noble Late Harvest wines.

In your glass of South African Sauvignon Blanc you will be able to identify one of the following styles:

TROPICAL AND YELLOW FRUIT

Lush, tropical flavours and aromas of papaya, guava, banana and pineapple coupled with stonefruit (apricot, peach, nectarine), and some citrus elements. Also some floral notes (orange blossom and geranium). Mostly associated with warmer climate areas with relatively high levels of diurnal temperature fluctuation.

FLINTY AND MINERAL

More austere, lean flavours and aromas such as gunflint, river pebbles, steel and smokiness, coupled with earthy undertones of mushroom, damp earth and the smell of rain falling on a dirt road. Mostly found in temperate climate areas with moderate fluctuation in diurnal temperatures.

SPICY AND HERBACEOUS

Racy flavours and aromas such as capsicum, paprika, fresh and canned asparagus, tinned peas, grass, nettles, English gooseberry, grass, tomato vine, celery and herbs. Mostly found in cooler-climate areas with onshore breezes cooling the vineyards, or high-lying vineyards protected from extreme heat.

LIME, GREEN MELON AND GRAPEFRUIT

Zippy, racy flavours and aromas of fresh citrus coupled with spring buds, white flowers and very clean and refreshing on the palate. Mostly associated with cooler climate areas, or vineyards with high altitude or receiving cool ocean breezes.

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