Groot Phesantekraal Sauvignon Blanc 2017

Wine of Origin: Durbanville

Winemaker: Etienne Louw

Background: The results of the 2017 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 competition were announced earlier this month and there were some pleasant surprises in the top ten, one of them being the delicious Groot Phesantekraal Sauvignon Blanc 2017.

A mere 20 minutes from Cape Town, lying within the Tygerberg Hills is the Groot Phesantekraal Farm, owned by André and Ronelle Brink (fourth generation of the Brink family).

Besides farming cattle, sheep and wheat, grape farming has been an integral part of the farms activities. André and Ronelle fulfilled a life-long dream in 2005 when they launched their own family wine brand, Phizante Kraal Wine, in very small quantities: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and two Chenin Blancs. The wines were made for the Brinks by a family friend, Thys Louw from the Diemersdal Estate nearby. Having a combination of great terroir and skilled winemaking, the wines have been well received, earning Durbanville Terroir Awards, Michelangelo medals as well as Top 20 and Top 10 Sauvignon Blanc awards and recently the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc having also been awarded a Double Gold at Veritas. Recent changes include the appointment of Etienne Louw (previously of Altydgedacht) as winemaker and the range of wines have been rebranded from Phizante Kraal to Groot Phesantekraal. The wine labels for the bottles have been redesigned and now include the Brink family crest.

The small block of Sauvignon Blanc was planted in 2007 on high ground on the farm which suits the variety and each vintage delivers exceptional quality grapes. The grapes were machine picked and after fermentation the wine was left on the lees for a few months prior to bottling.

Result: Tropically-fruited nose with scented lemongrass, the palate has great zing and freshness.

When to drink: now till 2020

Drink with what: As we are heading into summer enjoy it with goat’s cheese salad.

Expect to pay: R84.00