FAR AND NEAR SAUVIGNON BLANC IN SOUTH AFRICA

Since the days of Simon van der Stel, the land at L'Avenir has been planted with vines. In 1992, Mauritian born Marc Wiehe bought the farm and founded L'Avenir and by 1997, the farm was ranked best at that year's Chenin Blanc Challenge. Paying tribute to the terroir of Stellenbosch, L'Avenir focuses primarily on producing the heritage Chenin Blanc and the innovative, local varietal, Pinotage. Vineyard region: three different blocks of select clones have been positioned on the highest slopes of the farm. This elevated placement allows the vines to benefit from the cool sea-breezes that drift from the False Bay coast towards Stellenbosch. In addition, the ridge of decomposed granite and shale - from which the soil is derived – provides an ideal environment for Sauvignon Blanc to develop its unique character Vintage: an early & hot ripening period lead to fast sugar accumulation & harvest taking place approximately 3 weeks earlier than in the past. Still, the grapes showed beautiful natural acidity & lush aromas Grape varieties: 100% Sauvignon Blanc (L’Avenir Grapes) Tasting: full of fresh tropical flavours of pineapple and white pear, with notes of ripe summer melon and a subtle grassy note. A very natural, refreshing acidity Appearance: a clear, crisp very pale gold Nose: intense tropical aromas of guava and pineapple with just a hint of lemongrass Palate: a refreshing acidity and elegant tropical fruit chased by refreshing acidity that lingers on the palate