GG_N52_IT

SOUTH AFRICA
GRAPE
«Our vineyards are seven to ten kilometres from the sea, « Vlok says, an avid fisherman who proudly serves
his wines with his catch.
«Sauvignon loves the cool weather brought on by winds in the growing season. From any side, prevailing
winds are always sea winds cooling the vineyards and contributing to low yields in the flowering season. We
make the best wines when crops are at most 3.5 tons per hectare. Stressful conditions, the salty wind and
brackish water add to the wines’ mineral quality.»
They say you don’t buy land in Elim; you buy wind, banters David Nieuwoudt, owner and fifth generation at
Cederberg Wines and a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild.
He considers Elim, home to his Wild Ferment and Ghostcorner Sauvignon Blancs 2022 (92), «the Cape’s
best-kept secret.»
«It is an absolute joy selling this wine internationally. Besides its maritime character, there is a brightness
to these wines.»
Approximately 350km inland from here at 1,100m above sea level, his Cederberg vineyards are the highest in
the country. Where fynbos meets the edge of the Succulent Karoo biome, this 5,500ha farm boasts 74 ha under
vine, presenting a completely different style of wine; the Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 2022 scored 91 points.
«Sauvignon can only be influenced by heat or rain in South Africa. Cederberg is the only cool continental area;
the vineyards are super site-specific.»
The cool southeastern-facing slopes are predominantly clay and shale, picked later for more aromatic tropical
flavours adding palate weight. Sandstone components are picked earlier, showing a more mineral, steely edge.
«Wind contributes to the cooling effect here, and vineyard management remains crucial. We are also in no
rush to release our wines early like many others, so it spends adequate time on the fermentation lees.»
Nieuwoudt’s experience with altitude vineyards led to a partnership with Julio Bouchon from Chile where
they make the Longaví Sauvignon Blanc in the Maule Valley, at the foot of the Andes mountains.
POFADDERBOS VINEYARDS OVERLOOKING THE FARM
74 SUMMER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE