Lismore Estate Estate Reserve Cuvée Blanc, Greyton 2022

The grapes come from the Greyton ward in the Western Cape, which has been designated by SAWIS in recognition of the special terroir of this region. The vineyards are planted on steep slopes in decomposed shale over clay at 300 metres above sea level, in the foothills of the Sonderend Mountain Range. Here the climate plays an important role: the low mean February temperature lends to an extended ripening period that results in a harvest that takes place three to four weeks later than traditional wine growing regions in South Africa. The Cuvée Blanc is a blend of 90% Roussanne, 5% Viognier, 5% Chardonnay; the Roussanne vines were grafted onto the trunks following the estate fire which destroyed vines in 2019. The roots are from 2016 and are planted on the coolest slope on the farm, which makes it the last variety to be picked. The intense citrus notes and the lingering finish are consistent hallmarks of Lismore's specific terroir.

The grapes were gently whole bunch pressed and then the must was cold settled for 24 hours. The juice was racked into 500 and 600-litre Burgundian barrels where 100% spontaneous fermentation took place with natural, wild yeasts. The wine was matured for 11 months on the lees without racking, in French oak, of which 5% was new.