Technical Specifications
Alcohol 13.5%
Residual Sugar 2.9 g/L
pH 3.25
Total Acidity 6 g/L
Calories (estimated) 115 kcal / glass
150ml glass115 kcal
750ml bottle575 kcal
Grape Varieties Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc100%
Drinking Window 1 to 3 years from vintage
Region Stellenbosch
Soil Decomposed granite, Hutton/tukulu, Shale
Elevation 550.0 meters
Orientation West
Grapes Picked February 2020
Fermentation Vessels Stainless Steel
Lees Aging 2 months
Bottling Date July 2020
Fining Agents Isinglass, Bentonite
Production Details The Rustenberg Stellenbosch 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 West facing slopes make this ideal for the production of a full flavoured, more tropical styled Sauvignon Blanc. Made without the influence of oak the wines are aged on their lees for further palate weight and complexity to balance out the wines' natural acidity. The 2020 vintage was a good vintage produced under the spectre of the COVID-19 pandemic impacting the globe. Fortunately the harvest was not impacted on Rustenberg by the government-sanctioned lockdowns, allowing all fruit to be picked and processed when ripe. A good winter in 2019 saw a return to average rainfall for the year. Two unusual weather events in the growing season, a large rainstorm and a heat wave, impacted some varietals flowering and berry set, however, in the context of the entire vintage these had a minor impact. Crop levels were up by 15% from the 2019 vintage, which saw a return to yields being average to slightly above average for most varietals. Quality wise, the white wines have superb acids and more moderate alcohols with wonderful fruit concentration, while the reds tend to be more medium-bodied with moderate alcohols, good freshness and supple tannins, potentially to be enjoyed earlier. Extraction method: Crushed, De-Stemmed and Pressed. Yeast: Cultured Active Dry Wine Yeast. Irrigation type: Minimal Drip Irrigation. Trellising/Pruning System: VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioned), 2 Node Spur Pruned.
Tasting Notes
tropical fruits, melon, gooseberry, pineapple, passion fruit
▸ Sources (1)
Producer Information
Website
Address
Rustenberg Wines, Rustenberg Road, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
Phone
+27 21 809 1200
Email
Owner
Barlow Family (Simon, Rozanne, Murray)
Cellarmaster
Murray Barlow