Elgin Vintners The Century

53% Sauvignon Blanc & 47% Semillon

W.O. Elgin

TERROIR & VITICULTURE A particularly stony section, where vine vigour is restrained, was identified within Helderfontein’s Semillon. During the dry 2019 vintage the grapes were in pristine, rot-free condition. The Sauvignon Blanc grapes, clones SB316 and SB11, were sourced from Elgin Orchards and Wallovale Vineyards. The overall viticultural direction was to create an open canopy with leaf plucking in the bunch zone soon after berry set in order to enhance the aromatic fruit flavours of the grapes

VINIFICATION Both CL 317 AND CL 318 was used in this wine. The grapes were hand harvested mid-March. Grapes were destemmed and crushed upon receiving at the winery and into the press. Here 8 hours skin-contact under dry ice, took place. A soft press cycle was then applied. After settling the juice was allowed to start natural fermentation. This is a slow fermentation, fermentation temperature was kept between 12 – 14 °C.. After 8 °B was fermented by the natural / wild yeast, the ferment was then inoculated with a French commercial yeast and fermented to dry. Semillon, CL GD1, grapes were destemmed, crushed, and pressed upon the receiving at the cellar. The clear settled juice was fermented in concrete eggsshape tanks. After fermentation both wines were left on the gross lees for 1 month without sulphuring. Thereafter the wine was racked and blended. The blend was then placed back into 2 concrete eggs of 1500 L each and matured for a further 6 months on the fine lees before bottling.

TASTING NOTES This white Bordeaux-style blend immediately draws the eye with its clear, brilliant, light yellow colour still tinged with green. The wine leads with inviting aromas of pear drops, mango, fennel and ripe figs with a subtle touch of waxy lanolin imparted by the inclusion of Semillon. Luxurious sun-ripened Golden Delicious apples and quince intertwine with an oyster shell mineral core, generous creaminess and harmonious acidity. A satisfying wine, displaying textured layers of fruit which linger indulgently. Whilst this wine drinks extremely well now, it will show even greater complexity with further maturation.

FOOD SUGGESTIONS The Century 2019 achieved both elegance and boldness, making it a worthy pairing with fresh oysters, pan seared kingklip with a creamy walnut cheese sauce, lemon and herb chicken, asparagus in a béarnaise sauce or crisply roasted duck.

Alcohol: 13.27% Total acid: 6.0 Residual sugar: 3.6 pH: 3.34