Much of our winelands provide the ideal growing conditions for this varietal, producing some of the finest examples of Sauvignon Blanc as a result.
A green-skinned grape variety that originated from the Bordeaux region of France, Sauvignon Blanc gets its name from the French word sauvage (meaning ‘wild’) and blanc (meaning ‘white’). Depending on the climate and winemaking method, its flavour can range from ‘green flavours’ of grass, green peppers and herbs to more floral and tropical fruit notes, often with a hint of flinty minerality too.
No matter the particular Sauvignon Blanc, any worthy representative of this cultivar will leave you smacking your lips and using such phrases as crisp, elegant and fresh to describe both its taste and effect.
Time to kiss summer goodbye
Now's a good time to enjoy some lip-smacking Sauvignon Blancs
Image: Supplied
Much of our winelands provide the ideal growing conditions for this varietal, producing some of the finest examples of Sauvignon Blanc as a result.
A green-skinned grape variety that originated from the Bordeaux region of France, Sauvignon Blanc gets its name from the French word sauvage (meaning ‘wild’) and blanc (meaning ‘white’). Depending on the climate and winemaking method, its flavour can range from ‘green flavours’ of grass, green peppers and herbs to more floral and tropical fruit notes, often with a hint of flinty minerality too.
No matter the particular Sauvignon Blanc, any worthy representative of this cultivar will leave you smacking your lips and using such phrases as crisp, elegant and fresh to describe both its taste and effect.
Pinot Noir demands attention, care & tears to become the best food wine in the world
Sauvignon Blancs tend to pair well with Mediterranean-style fare, fresh salads, cheeses (particularly chèvre), light fish and chicken dishes (especially when coupled with a citrus marinade), and of course, sushi.
MY TOP SAUVIGNON BLANCS:
Buitenverwachting Husseys Vlei Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Nestled in the heart of the Constantia Valley, grapes are handpicked from a single vineyard on the estate for this wine. A delicious bouquet of grapefruit, green apples and gooseberries await, followed by a lip-smacking long finish.
Image: Supplied
Ernie Els Sauvignon Blanc 2017
The Big Easy never fails to create oh-so-easy-to-drink wines. This particular vintage is no exception. With a terrific balance of tropical fruit, cool climate elegance and mineral structure, blasts of gooseberries, guava, passionfruit and lime coat your palate in a dance-off between freshness and power.
Image: Supplied
Maastricht Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Grown in the fertile Durbanville soil, this distinctive dry-land Sauvignon Blanc enjoys higher rainfall, warmer summer days and cooler night’s compared with many of her contemporaries. The result: an intense and complex nose with green pepper flavours combining with asparagus, gooseberries and tropical fruit. A balanced palate reflects the purity of ripe fruit, coupled with a lingering harmonious finish.
Image: Supplied
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Wade Bales is the Founder of Wade Bales Fine Wines & Spirits: wadebales.co.za