Excelsior Sauvignon Blanc Single Bottle

Country: South Africa  Region: Robertson Valley

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Vintage: 2022

Category: White Wine  Style: Dry  

Producer: De Wet

The 19th century De Wet farm is located in the picturesque Robertson Valley, between two rugged mountain ranges near the Breede River, where it benefits from ideal conditions for breeding horses and growing vines. Historically, the farm had three activities: horse and ostrich breeding and vine growing, but today winemaking is the main activity. Owning 220 hectares of their own vines and having a bottling line on site has allowed the winery to control all aspects of the winemaking. The De Wet family has also developed a social program which benefits its employees and the local community and, through the sales of Excelsior wines, has financed the building of a local crèche as well as the two teachers for the village school.

Winemaker: Peter-Allan Finlayson

Vineyards:

For years the Excelsior land was grazed by thoroughbred horses, the limestone rich soils thought to provide them with a source of calcium through the vegetation they consumed. This limestone content has proven to be beneficial for grape growing; the grapes grown here display greater spice notes in reds and fresher acidity in whites, than is typical in the Robertson region. The Sauvignon Blanc comes from three different vineyards. The early picked component is from low altitude alluvial soils, producing herbal wines with high acidity. The second component is from high altitude vineyards, 400 metres above sea level on decomposed sandstone. This wine has a mineral and green apple character. The last component comes from limestone, clay rich soils which add ripe tropical characters and body to the wine.

Vinification:

Grapes were harvested by hand for greater quality control and were immediately de-stemmed and cooled. Skin contact was maintained for three hours, after which the grapes were carefully pressed in order to avoid any bitter phenolics. The wine was then cold fermented for three weeks at temperatures of12-15°C. The wine was then matured on the lees for two months prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes:

This wine is pale yellow in colour, with youthful hints. On the nose, there are concentrated aromas of passion fruit, grapefruit, fig and some fresh herb characteristics. The palate is full of tropical fruit, with bright and zesty acidity.

Food Suggestion: Seafood and summer salads with goats cheese.

Closure: Stelvin  ABV:12.5%  Acidity [g/l]: 6.8