Producer: Paul Cluver
Region: Western Cape
Appellation: Elgin
Country: South Africa
Variety: Sauvignon Blanc 95%, Semillon 5%
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Alcohol: 13.5%
Residual Sugar: 1.5 g/L
Soil: Bokkeveld Shale
Farming Practices: Sustainable, pesticide free
Awards: 90-Tim Atkin
CELLAR PROFILE
This family-owned, family-run wine business is located approximately 70km southeast of Cape Town. The property has been owned by the Cluver Family – recognized as pioneers of wine in the area – since 1896. The focus here is on producing elegant wines that are expressive of the terroir. The cool Elgin Valley provides the ideal conditions for world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wine business forms part of larger holistic farming business called ‘De Rust Estate’. In addition to the vineyards and cellar, there are apple and pear orchards, a Hereford stud and eco-tourism activities, including amphitheatre concerts on the farm. This 2000+ hectare estate forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere, a UNESCO world heritage site. Half of the estate has been set aside for conservation into perpetuity.
REGION
Elgin is the coolest wine region in South Africa, with temperatures rarely rising above 30°C during the growing season. With only 800 ha. under vine, it is also one of the smallest and least planted, as the rocky terrain, cool temperatures and low rainfall make growing grapes a challenging endeavour. Sitting amongst the Hottentot-Holland mountain range, the soils are a mixture of sandstone, decomposed shale, gravel and clay. Due to the precipitous diurnal temperature drops, viticulturists have eschewed the traditional red Bordeaux varieties favoured throughout most of the country, planting instead delicate Pinot Noir and altitude-loving Syrah. The most widely-planted white is Sauvignon Blanc, but the future of the region lies in Chardonnay, with world class examples being crafted. Riesling plantings are increasing and showing tremendous promise as well. Elgin wines tend to be high in acidity, with evolved flavours, as the long hang times allow full phenol development.
VINEYARD
The De Rust Estate vineyards of Paul Cluver Family Wines sit on an inland mountain plateau, nestled in the UNESCO Koelberg Biosphere Preserve. Rising between 400-660 masl, you’ll find a mix of the famed Bokkeveld Shale (sandstone rich with invertebrate fossils, clay and loam) and Fericrete gravel (rich in iron oxides) here. Subject to early morning mists, cool evenings, low rainfall and long sunlight hours, yields are small but high in quality. The vineyards are farmed sustainably, without the use of pesticides and with as little human footprint as possible.
WINEMAKING
Hand-harvested fruit is de-stemmed and sorted before being fermented using selected yeasts in stainless steel. Temperature control is used to restrict malolactic conversion. After a short aging on the fine lees, without stirring, the wine is bottled, youthful and fresh.
TASTING NOTES
Classic cool climate Savvy. Nose of fresh cut grass, lime, passion fruit and petrichor. The palate is nervy and invigorating with layers of bracing acidity. White grapefruit, lime, dill and guava flavours lead to a crisp finish. Chill fully and enjoy on the patio, or chill lightly and enjoy with Spring Mix salads or seared tuna.
VARIETIES
Sauvignon Blanc originates from the Bordeaux region of France. Depending on the climate, the flavour can range from aggressively grassy to sweetly tropical. In cooler climates, such as Sancerre, France or the Elgin region of South Africa, the grape has a tendency to produce wines with grassy and tropical fruit notes and noticeable acidity. In warmer climates, it can develop a more tropical fruit profile but risks losing its aromatics from overripeness, leaving only slight hints of grapefruit and peach. When planted to loamy sand, the flavours tend towards riper, plusher and tropical, while shale and clay impart more classic notes, reminiscent of the Loire.
