Sauvignon Blanc has found a true home in Elgin, South Africa

Paul Clüver Family Wines is a leading producer of Sauvignon Blanc, a fact underscored by the Paul Clüver Sauvignon Blanc being awarded a Gold medal at last year’s Decanter World Wine Awards in London. One of the reasons for the quality of Paul Clüver Sauvignon Blanc is the fact that the variety needs a cool climate for bringing the grapes’s combination of bracing freshness and multi-fruited complexity to the fore. And being the coolest wine region in South Africa, Sauvignon Blanc has found a true home in Elgin.

In making the wine, it is a matter of taking things gently, as Sauvignon Blanc is a fragile grape with a complex spectrum of flavours and aromas, and great care is taken to maintain the clarity of expression the grape is known for.

For an added dimension, a 10% Sémillon component is added to Paul Clüver Sauvignon Blanc for depth of body and to flesh out the wine on the mid-palate. The wine offers offers notes of passion-fruit and gooseberry, with a discernible mineral presence in the long, cool finish, making it an excellent food wine.

Some other interesting facts on Sauvignon Blanc:

• Origin: Sauvignon Blanc originated in the Bordeaux region of France and is believed to be one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon, the world-famous red grape. Its name is derived from the French words “sauvage” (wild) and “blanc” (white), reflecting its origins and the grape’s early growth in the wild.
  
• Diverse Flavour Profile: This grape is known for its versatile flavour profile, which can range from grassy and herbal notes to tropical fruits and citrus, depending on the climate and winemaking techniques. Common flavours include lime, green apple, passion fruit, and bell pepper.
  
• Widely Planted: Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most widely planted white grape varieties in the world. It thrives in various regions, including France, New Zealand, California, Chile, South Africa, and parts of Australia, showcasing its adaptability to different terroirs.
  
• Cool Climate Preference: The grape flourishes best in cooler climates, where it can retain its natural acidity and develop complex flavours. Regions like Elgin in South Africa, the Loire Valley in France and Marlborough in New Zealand are renowned for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc.
  
• Styles of Wine: Sauvignon Blanc can be made in several styles, ranging from crisp and dry to sweeter versions, like Sauternes from Bordeaux. Some producers enhance the wine’s texture and complexity by aging it in oak barrels, leading to a creamier mouthfeel and additional flavour layers.
  
• Food Pairing: Its high acidity and vibrant flavours make Sauvignon Blanc an excellent pairing for a variety of foods, particularly seafood, salads, goat cheese, and dishes with fresh herbs. The wine’s brightness complements flavours and cuts through richness in many dishes.