Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Rustenberg, fact sheet (rustenberg.co.za – linket fra rustenberg.co.za, hentet 2026-10-18): 2019 Rustenberg Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc – område: Simonsberg-Stellenbosch; 100% Sauvignon Blanc; alkohol 13%. Producentens noter (engelsk): Introduction: The Rustenberg Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc is grown at some of the highest altitudes that vineyards are grown at in the Stellenbosch region; just over 550m above sea level, right against the Simonsberg Mountain. The cooling effect of altitude and the oceanic breeze blowing off False Bay and Table Bay, which are both within line of sight of the vineyards, combined with the vineyards being planted on South and West facing slopes make this ideal for the production of a full flavoured, more tropical styled Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is made with the influence of oak, fermented and aged in barrel using the wild yeast present on the grapes at the time of harvesting, and aged on lees for further palate weight and complexity to balance out the wines' natural acidity. Vintage: The 2019 vintage was a challenging one for the Rustenberg team. While the winter of 2018 was a welcome break from the previous four winters of drought, most vineyards had not fully recovered and produced below average yields. A warm snap in June and a wet Spring, coupled with a wetter than average Summer harvesting season made 2019 a challenge, with some late harvest thinning or multiple harvests of the same vineyard required to achieve uniformity. Early and mid-season ripening varieties performed well, all achieving flavour ripeness at lower alcohol levels, while late ripening varieties required patience and extended time on the vines, again achieving lower alcohols overall, but creating ripe, structured wines. Vineyards/winemaking: Extraction Method Crushed, De-Stemmed and Pressed Fermentation Vessel 100% French Oak Barrels Yeast Wild Yeast Lees Aging 6 Months Oak Aging 6 Months Malolactic Fermentation Partial Age and Type of Oak 12% New Oak, 88% 2nd & 3rd fill Fining Agents Used Isinglass & Bentonite