Iona Estate Sauvignon Blanc

*** DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS SILVER MEDAL ***
*** Best Value white wine in the Wine Merchant Top 100 Wine Awards 2022***

Country: South Africa Region: Elgin 

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc 96%, Semillon 4%

Vintage: 2024 Colour: White  Style: Dry

Producer: Iona Winery

Description:

Iona is the coolest vineyard in the Cape, 420m above sea-level, high above the picturesque Elgin Valley. An extremely long growing season, harvesting up to 2 months after Stellenbosch, results in diverse, complex flavours and uniquely fresh and elegant wines. Long renowned for their Sauvignon blanc, their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; recently awarded 5 stars in Platter, are also very fine.

Each soil type and aspect of the Sauvignon blanc vineyards are matched with different clone to ensure we capture the endless flavours of the variety in the vineyards. These are retained in the cellar, with each block being vinified separately. The harvest of the Sauvignon blanc stretched from middle March to early April which provides a perfect long ripening period to develop the intense concentrated flavours. An important component is the addition of 4% Semillon which enhances the mid- palate weight and complexity of the wine. Stirring of the lees brings that unmistakable Iona texture.

Treatment in Oak: 4 Months; Type: French; % oaked: 5; % new oak: None;

Tasting Note:
Fragrance of pure white grapefruit, intense tropical fruit, ripe gooseberry and fleshy kiwi fruit over-lay Iona’s distinctive herbal and floral undertone. The palate is keenly balanced showing cut green apples and lime marmalade followed by great minerality and length..

Food Matches: Fresh asparagus, chicken and seafood dishes but is also enjoyable by itself.