£19.95–£21.50, Fintry Wines, Vinvm, Frontier Fine Wines
I have been taking comfort in some fuller, softer, white wines in all the recent cold, grey weather, but now that the crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils are beginning to enjoy a bit of sunshine and light, I'm feeling ready for some dry white wines with a bit more vim and brightness.
This cracking South African Sauvignon Blanc has mouth-watering pea pod and lemon grass aromas with a hint of peppery spice and a succulent, full textured palate with passion fruit, lemon and white pepper notes alongside gleaming acidity.
It’s long, concentrated and beautifully balanced and could be cellared for a decade or so. In fact, it's a wine I’d love to cellar.
The region it comes from, Constantia, dates back to 1659 and is the oldest wine region in the so-called New World. It's more famous for its sweet wine but also produces world-class Sauvignons. The Black Swan 2023 is one of them.
The grapes are a selection of the best fruit from Steenberg’s top two Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. The juice was cold macerated on the skins for 18 hours and then, after a slow cold fermentation, the new wine was aged on its lees for nine months, which contributes to the plush texture.
It can be paired with the usual Sauvignon Blanc food candidates: fish and seafood, fried, roast, grilled or sauced; salads, tomato dishes, red peppers, broad beans, sugar snaps and asparagus; and cheese, especially goat's. But it also has the weight and depth to take on pork, even belly, and to accompany richer vegetarian dishes such as veggie lasagne. It can handle spices, too. 14.5%. Empty bottle weight: 595g.
Steenberg The Black Swan 2023, Constantia, South Africa
£19.95, Fintry Wines, £20.95, Vinvm, £21.50, Frontier Fine Wines
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