Benguela Cove Releases First Vintage of Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is excited to announce the release of its first Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. The Benguela Cove Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2015 forms part of the estate’s new label collection which includes a premium gold foil embossed design that embodies the luxury and opulence of the estate from where it hails.

Bottles with the new labels will be introduced to the market gradually, as new vintages are released, and the full transition is expected to be completed by end-2016. This white wine boasts a white label with golden accents and forms part of the collection of new vintage wines that were released over the past three months.

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is a 200 hectare lifestyle farm and exclusive luxury estate situated in Walker Bay, Hermanus. Overlooking the Bot River Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean; the favourable maritime conditions ensures that this unique terroir produces outstanding quality grapes.

Benguela Cove’s close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean results in a cooler median daytime temperature and in cool maritime winds that caress the vineyards at night. This favourable climate, use of covered crops and the direction in which the vines face aid in the slow ripening of these grapes.

An important aspect of growing Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon is deciding when to pick the grapes. Flavour development must be achieved and should be balanced with acidity. This can only be achieved through constant tasting of the grapes through the ripening period, an aspect that demands a lot of time from viticulturist and winemaker alike.

Canopy management played an important role in achieving the desired level of sunlight into the vines. The trellised vines were carefully tended to ensure that the perfect amount of fruit exposure and light penetration was achieved.

Cool temperate conditions during the growing season resulted in small, concentrated berries. Veraison was even, thereby ensuring even ripening of the grapes. The period was characterised by low disease incidence and lower-yields to deliver a well balanced wine that offers intense fruit flavours.

The Benguela Cove Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2015 is full-bodied and exhibits a distinct tangy, savoury component reminiscent of the sea breeze that highlights the maritime aspects of its unique terroir. Enjoy this wine on its own or pair it with green leaf salads, salmon-based sushi dishes or seafood dishes such as fish, shellfish or oysters. While this wine is enjoyable immediately it has the ability to age gracefully and interestingly for two to four years and patient cellaring will definitely be rewarded. Available at R128 per bottle.

This new wine, as well as the other recent new releases, are available on the Benguela Cove online shop. Visit shop.benguelacove.co.za to get your hands on a bottle or six.