Simonsig Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc 2015

Wednesday, 29 July, 2015
Simonsig Wine Estate
Sauvignon Blanc was first released as a single variety wine from Simonsig Wine Estate in Stellenbosch in 1978.

The Malan brothers, Francois in the vineyards, and Johan in the cellar feel that it is only in the last ten years or so that this grape has reached its true potential. So it is Francois who pays meticulous attention to choosing the perfect site on the Estate for a Sauvignon Blanc vineyard and, with his team, plants the correct clones. They nurture the vines during the growing season by carefully managing the vine canopies in order that the vines consistently deliver excellent grapes.

It is Johan who helps make the harvesting decision by keeping track of the flavour development of the grapes in the vineyards. Harvested in the early hours of the morning, the grapes for the Simonsig Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc 2015 are kept free of oxygen as much as possible to retain the wonderful freshness and aroma that lands up in the bottle.

Some of the grape have limited skin contact. Gentle pressing and a low recovery of juice takes place, the juice settles out cold and clear and a low temperature slow fermentation begins. The wine is kept on its lees for anything up to 6 months and is regularly stirred which enhances the mouth feel of the ultimate wine.

It looks like
Elegant simple livery saying what it needs to. In the glass it is gem bright, pale golden straw with some lime green flashes when held up to the light.

It smells like
Elements of green in melon, asparagus and fynbos herbs. Fruit present as green figs and an undertow of desiccated pineapple.

It tastes like
Brilliant tropical fruits. Excellent crisp fruit acidity in good balance with the fruit flavours and the long aftertaste.

It’s good with
Sauvignon Blanc works well as a glass on its own or as an aperitif. It works well with seafood, and leafy herby summer salads with creamy goat’s cheese, pine nuts and other crispy salady bits. Jane-Anne Hobbs has an ideal recipe for this wine, her Panko-Crumbed Calamari with Black Salt & White Pepper, Lime Mayonnaise. Click here for her recipe.

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