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SOUTH AFRICA<br />
GRAPE<br />
Morgan Steyn started working with Hopkins as part of the CWG’s Protege Programme in 2019 and was later<br />
appointed winemaker. As Durbanville already hosts the annual Season Of Sauvignon festival, it was time for a<br />
collective strategy to showcase this variety. In 2022, 13 wineries in the valley collaborated for the maiden vintage<br />
of Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc, and Steyn was responsible for blending the diverse components.<br />
«We made the second vintage this year. Each producer contributed a component true to their vineyards and<br />
winemaking philosophy which was then blended to represent the diversity of the whole valley.»<br />
Elgin is another area nudging the ocean, and albeit on a plateau surrounded by mountains, this cool appellation<br />
forms part of the Cape South Coast region, home to Iona. The farm is 420m above sea-level and the Iona Wild<br />
Ferment 2022 had the tasting panel on the edges of their seats with its intensity and staying power (93).<br />
Winemaker Werner Muller proudly shares how confident they are about Iona’s unique style.<br />
«The diversity in Elgin is phenomenal. Our Sauvignon grows on sandstone and lighter soils. Some vineyards<br />
are older than 20 years, adding palate weight, and younger vineyards contribute to freshness. We have a long<br />
growing season, and the long hanging time forms the basis for more apple and pear aromas retaining the natural<br />
acidity and low pH that adds a defining saline quality.<br />
IONA 420M ABOVE SEA LEVEL, HIGH ABOVE THE PICTURESQUE ELGIN VALLEY, SURROUNDED BY THE KOGELBERG<br />
NATURE RESERVE AND OVERLOOKING THE ATLANTIC OCEAN IN THE SOUTH<br />
76 SUMMER 2023 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE