Wine Cape Point Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape WO, 2021

Description

Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape WO is a signature wine from Cape Point Vineyards, which is produced primarily from Sauvignon Blanc grapes with a small proportion of Smillon. The grapes are grown in the vineyards of the Western Cape, on the lower blocks, where the vines are more protected from the cool sea breeze. Here the vines enjoy long sunny days as well as nutrient-rich sandstone soils.

The hand-picked grapes are de-stemmed and gently pressed. The resulting juice settles for 24 hours, after which yeast specially selected to improve the fruit profile is added. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 14-16 C in steel tanks. Aging wine for 4 months in French oak barrels gives it complexity and balance. The style of the wine suggests variety – it is quite light and very fresh, yet complex and voluminous, which makes it a great pair for cheeses such as Chevin and Brie, pasta, poultry and fish with pesto, tomatoes or olives, oysters.

The 2021 vintage was awarded a silver medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, 2022.

Bud opening in 2021 in South Africa was 5-7 days late compared to the previous year, resulting in later flowering and the start of the growing cycle. Rain and cold weather in early November had a positive effect on the vines. Cool summer conditions favored slow and even ripening. Grapes reached phenolic ripeness 3-4 weeks later than usual. These factors contributed to the production of more juicy and concentrated berries with high acidity.