Spioenkop Wines '1900' Sauvignon Blanc, Elgin 2018

Elgin Valley is surrounded by mountains, which creates a cool micro climate, resulting in temperatures 3°C degrees lower on average than surrounding areas. The valley funnels cooling sea breezes from the Atlantic, which is just seven miles away. The vineyard is situated between 250 to 300 metres above sea-level and has a south-east to easterly aspect to optimise sun exposure. The soils are clay mixed with iron-rich ferricreet cobbles and shale. The clay soils retain exactly the amount of water needed; while the steep slopes and rocky top soils guarantee sufficient drainage. These nutrient-poor soils, combined with a dry farming policy, impart intensity and character to the wine and produce a full-bodied style of Sauvignon Blanc. The Lyre trained vines have an average age of 11 years and are planted at a high density on R 110-14 rootstocks. Handharvesting takes place into small, 18 kilogram crates.

Each block has his own stainless steel tank and is vinification is tailored to suit. The grapes were cooled overnight at 6°C, before being destemmed and slightly crushed. 30% of the grapes underwent a long juice extraction with skin-contact, for 30 hours, while the remaining grapes produced the free-run juice. Following two days of settling, the juice underwent fermentation with natural, indigenous yeasts at temperatures of between 11 and 16°C, for 30 days. This wine was vinified without additions; no enzymes or yeast were added. It spent six months in stainless steel tanks on its natural, fine lees and was cellared in the bottle for two years at the farm prior release.