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SOUTH A<strong>FR</strong>ICA<br />
GRAPE<br />
A MYRIAD OF STYLES<br />
CEDERBERG FARMS SUSTAINABLY, AND BECAUSE THIS ISOLATED AREA IS<br />
VIRUS-<strong>FR</strong>EE AND HAS MINIMAL DISEASE, THERE’S LITTLE TO NO CHEMICAL<br />
INTERVENTION<br />
FORMERLY ATTAQUASKLOOF, THIS PICTURESQUE LOCATION OF BARTHO<br />
EKSTEEN WINES IS SITUATED 4KM <strong>FR</strong>OM THE ATLANTIC OCEAN, NEAR THE<br />
BEAUTIFUL COASTAL TOWN OF HERMANUS IN THE WALKER BAY WINE REGION<br />
As guidance, Sauvignon Blanc South Africa (SBSA)<br />
has defined four major styles: tropical and yellow<br />
fruit flavours; spicy and herbaceous; flinty and<br />
mineral; and lime, green melon, and grapefruit.<br />
Hopkins’s insatiable passion for the grape has led<br />
to numerous workshops for industry members and<br />
wine writers to discuss the chemistry that gives rise<br />
to these styles.<br />
«First, you have ester-driven styles where cold<br />
fermentation evokes delightful jasmine, pear and<br />
tea aromas. These aromas are volatile and fade after<br />
eight months. Secondly, you have thiols, identifiable<br />
by aromas of grenadilla, citrus and blackcurrant.<br />
Your third style hails from specific regions<br />
like Darling, Durbanville, Constantia, and Elgin,<br />
embracing the natural occurrence of methoxypyrazines<br />
(reminiscent of grass and green herbs).<br />
Fourthly is the wooded style category, which is becoming<br />
increasingly important and made in smaller<br />
volumes. Lastly, winemakers embrace organic and<br />
biodynamic practices with more quirky and phenolic<br />
wines making headway.»<br />
For Nieuwoudt, winemakers need to enjoy this<br />
canvas of opportunities as long as the wines retain<br />
their liveliness with a balance between pyrazines and<br />
fleshier notes of grenadilla, with a salty, mineral core<br />
balanced by richer nuances.<br />
«Because Sauvignon Blanc is so descriptive, consumers<br />
know what to expect. It will remain popular as<br />
long as it boosts consumer confidence.»<br />
AGE, PRICE AND MARKET<br />
PERCEPTION<br />
Can Sauvignon Blanc age? Unequivocally, reckons<br />
Eksteen.<br />
«France has the advantage of the oldest Sauvignon<br />
Blanc heritage. So much so that Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé<br />
and Bordeaux speak for themselves without<br />
stating Sauvignon Blanc on the label. It has been my<br />
prerogative to experiment with and improve Sauvignon<br />
and address its ageing potential.»<br />
Also, a recipient of the title of Diners Club SA<br />
78 SUMMER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE <strong>FR</strong>ENCH EXPERTS ON WINE
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