Steenberg Vineyards have just released Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2011 excelling once again with one of the cultivars which has built the reputation of this Constantia Wine Valley producer. Set against the Constantia mountains and facing False Bay, the reliable rainfall, mild temperatures and granite ridges ensure that this farm creates the best of South African cool climate wines.

Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2011

J D Pretorius crafted this wine with a series of batches of fruit from different blocks on the farm. These were also harvested at different levels of ripeness resulting in a serious, complex wine. JD has this to say about the wine:

Our Sauvignon Blanc is a true expression of Steenberg’s unique position and terroir which is absolutely ideal for the production of this varietal. The decomposed granite soils in the Sauvignon Blanc are perfect for this grape as the soil is slightly leaner, and prohibits overly vigourous growth of the vines, which in turn promotes a naturally controlled lower yield and excellent concentration of fruit in the berries. In addition, the farm’s location near the ocean results in lovely mineral notes from the maritime influence, and traces of earthy fynbos are evident as a result of its setting within the Cape Floral Kingdom. We take great care to work with purity of fruit and allow expression of the terroir, with the aim of producing wines that show constraint and a sense of place. I believe the Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2011 is a classic example of this.

Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2011

This wine is so much more than a poolside tipple, as my significant other and I experienced as we sat on our jetty watching the sun drop behind the mountains while sipping a glass of this elegant wine. Very much a food wine, it is made to complement foods like sushi, lemon-garnished fish dishes, salads dressed with vinaigrette and Thai food. There are lovely aromas of grapefruit and green apple with different aromas coming through each time the wine is swirled in the glass. When sipping the wine there is the sensation of mouth-filling freshness and zest, and flavours of lime, green apple and ruby grapefruit. The sensations stay on the palate for the longest time – always a sign of quality in wine.

Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2011 sells from the cellar door at R95.00 a bottle.

Contact telephone: +(27) 21 7132211

Tasting and sales: Mon – Frid 09h00 – 18h00

Sat/Sun and public holidays 10h00 – 18h00