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Iona, Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa 2022 BIN NO 1315
A fresh and elegant Sauvignon Blanc from the Elgin Highlands in South Africa.
Ideally served with fresh asparagus, chicken and seafood dishes but is also enjoyable by itself.
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc 91% and Semillon 9%
Vegetarian, Vegan and Organic Wine.
ABV 13.5%
Producer Profile
At 420m above sea-level, surrounded by the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and set high above the picturesque Elgin Valley, Andrew Gunn founded Iona. It is here overlooking the Atlantic ocean that he has secured some of the coolest vineyards in the Cape of South Africa.
In a country where cool climate vineyards are like gold dust, these vineyards are veritable nuggets. There is an extremely long growing season, allowing Andrew to create wines with complex flavours and a fresh, elegant style. The approach is hands off and the land is farmed according to organic and biodynamic practices with a particular focus on ensuring the health of the soils whilst pests are kept under control by the resident flock of geese that roam the vineyards.
Read more about the producer here.
Viticulture
A combination of gravel bed, Sandstone and silica soils quartz soils with underlying clay support the vines which were planted between 1997 and 2012. The aim is for elegance, balance and to express the unique terroir of the Elgin Highlands. Grapes were hand-picked into crates early in the morning to ensure that the grapes stayed cool.
Wine Making
Each of the 9 blocks are harvested and vinified separately. 10% skin contact for between 8-12 hours. After gentle pressing, the must was settled, maintaining a temperature of 6-8°C. Fermentation occurred at 14-16°C, using different commercial yeast strains particularly suited to Sauvignon Blanc. The wine was kept on the gross lees for 5 months and stirred regularly to enhance the richness of the mid-palate. The 4% Sémillon component was fermented naturally in 2nd and 3rd fill 500L French oak barrels to enhance the mid palate weight and to add complexity to the wine. A selection of different Sauvignon Blanc vineyard sites were naturally fermented in 500L French oak barrels. The barrel fermentation component made up 4% of the final blend.
Oak Treatment
Time: 4 Months
Type: French 500L
% wine oaked: 4
% new oak: None
Tasting Notes
Fragrance of pure white grapefruit, intense tropical fruit, ripe gooseberry and fleshy kiwi fruit over-lay Iona’s distinctive herbal and floral undertone. The palate is keenly balanced showing cut green apples and lime marmalade followed by great minerality and length.
