Steenberg Vineyards Releases Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Steenberg Vineyards in the Constantia Valley has released the latest vintage of its popular Sauvignon Blanc. Renowned as one of the top white wine cellars in South Africa, the Sauvignon Blanc varietal is what Steenberg is best known for, and this year’s vintage again exemplifies what this winery can produce. The refreshing, crisp taste of the Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2011, with its upfront citrus notes of ruby grapefruit and pronounced mineral character, is sure to find a place among the season’s ‘hotlist’ of wines to drink this summer.
Produced by winemaker JD Pretorius, the wine is made up of a series of Sauvignon Blanc ‘building blocks’ from different sites on the farm, harvested at different levels of ripeness. It is a delicious ‘food wine’, compatible with many lighter summer dishes, and offers excellent longevity due to its naturally high acidity – a result of the cool climate in which the grapes were cultivated.
Steenberg places great significance on Sauvignon Blanc, with more than 50% of its total plantings (some 37.5 hectares of the total of 60 hectares under vine) being this varietal. For the first time, Block 13 (which encompasses an additional three hectares) came into production this year – adding a new, racy quality of fruit to the 2011 Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc. Another nine hectares will come into production in 2012, and is expected to further enhance the quality of the wine.
Says Pretorius: ‘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 blocks are perfect for this grape, as this soil is slightly leaner, and prohibits overly vigorous growth of the vines, which it 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 climate, 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 total 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 illustration of this’, he enthuses.
Located in South Africa’s premier wine growing region of Constantia Valley, Steenberg is the oldest farm in the area, boasting a colourful history dating back to 1682. With coast-facing slopes cooled by sea breezes, mild temperatures, reliable rainfall and granite ridges, the vineyards of Steenberg are ideally placed to produce cool climate South African wines. These are currently undergoing a vigorous replanting cycle, whereby 5% of the total vineyard blocks are replanted every year. With two-thirds of the re-plantings now over a decade old, these provide ample vineyards to lend structure to the wines, while the young vines deliver an incredible fruit concentration, resulting in the production of exceptional wines.
The Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2011 is a crisp and fruity wine, dominated by aromas of ruby grapefruit. Underlying herbaceous tones on the nose open up into notes of green pepper and asparagus, and an underlining core of mineral flavours adds body. A crisp line of acidity carries the wine beautifully, while a firm and lingering aftertaste begs for one more sip. This wine is especially suited to complement sushi, or light acidic, tomato-based dishes and salads. Best enjoyed on hot summer days in the company of good friends!
(Cellar door price R95 per bottle)
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