Villiera Sauvignon Blanc 2019

VARIETY:  100 % Sauvignon Blanc

VINTAGE:  2019

AREA OF ORIGIN:  Stellenbosch

PRODUCT BACKGROUND:  Sauvignon Blanc is South Africa’s most popular variety.  We make 2 different styles, our “Bush Vine Blanc Fume” made from old bush vines and our regular Sauvignon Blanc made from trellised vines.

HARVEST DETAILS:  The grapes are picked at optimum ripeness which, in the case of Sauvignon Blanc 2019 was 13.5% alcohol.  This is to ensure phenolic ripeness. We ensure good protection of the fruit from oxidation and the hand harvesting occurs mainly in the early morning to take advantage of cooler conditions. 2019 was a warm vintage and a portion had to be picked early to ensure sufficient freshness.

CELLAR TREATMENT:  After crushing and destalking we allow 6 hours of skin contact to maximise varietal character.  This is followed by gentle pressing and fraction separation.  Only the free run and first pressing is used for Sauvignon Blanc.  After settling the clear juice is cold fermented with neutral yeast to avoid masking the varietal character.  Then it is blended, stabilized and bottled in May / June.

TASTING NOTES:  In keeping with the trend towards fruit driven wines this Sauvignon Blanc displays intense varietal character including passion fruit and a hint of green pepper.  The inclusion of  some wine from our old Bushvine vineyard provides greater freshness and vibrancy. Although attractive now our 2019 Sauvignon Blanc can be kept for a further 2 to 3 years.  It can be enjoyed alone or as an accompaniment to good seafood.

AWARDS: Michelangelo Awards: DOUBLE GOLD
Sommeliers Selection: SELECTED

Ultra Wine Challenge: GOLD
                    Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge:
GOLD PREMIUM
Platter’s Wine Guide: 4½ Stars