Benguela Cove Sauvignon Blanc

In the vineyards 

Doused with all the privileges of a cool climate, the Walker Bay boasts some of the most sought-after Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. Nudged by the Bot River lagoon with vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the vineyards enjoy cool daytime temperatures that drop even more at night. A beneficial diurnal range aids in even ripening and complexity, ushering the development of delicate fruit notes, fine tannin structure and a bright acidity. Maritime winds encourage healthy vines that need minimal intervention. 

Slope: south and west facing vineyards | Soil: shale and iron laterites | Clone: SB316 & 317 

In the cellar 

Harvested at optimal ripeness, the grapes were destemmed, skin contact allowed for a few hours. The wine was cold fermented with reductive processing in a combination of stainless steel tanks, barrels, and ceramic eggs. The wine was left on its lees after fermentation for the full time spent in barrel. 

Maturation:  7 months | Maturation: 65% barrel fermented, 25% new + 25% Foudre  and Ceramic eggs.  Production:  28 barrels | Aging potential: 3 – 5 years from vintage 

Character 

If preserved green figs evoke childhood memories, this wine will pour itself into your heart. These vivid aromas are joined with notes of grapefruit and gunflint, balanced with sweet tropical fruit and lemon candy. Alluring fennel and maritime seaspray nuances carry through on the palate, met by a Granny Smith apple-like acidity and oyster shell-like mineral mouthfeel on the finish. 

Personality 

This wine is a true expression of its origin. The Estate Sauvignon Blanc captures the essence of a cool climate region and delivers with great balance, length, and intensity with an Atlantic freshness about it. Partly barrel fermented, it gently tames the natural acidity, enhancing mouthfeel, the tank-fermented component contributing to its overall complexity and freshness. 

Best to enjoy 

The authoritative acidity invites big flavours, but don’t forget to match it and add a creamy element. 

Serving temperature: 12℃ 

Swordfish carpaccio | Asparagus Tarte Tatin | Thai lemon beef 

Wine analysis: 

Alc 13.7 

pH 3.28 

TA 6.2 g/l 

RS 1.9 g/l 

Wine master note:  This wine is the epitome of this cool-climate. It follows in the quality footsteps of its predecessors, delivering on that Old World minerality and length with hints of New World fruit and texture on the palate. – Johann Fourie