Waterkloof are one of the most exciting producers in South Africa. Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including: soil, aspect, altitude and vintage.
These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. The Sauvignon Blanc is from three windswept, south-facing (less sun exposure) blocks 270-300m above and a mere 2 miles from The Atlantic. The vines are 20 years old and production was a miserly 4 tons per hectare. Waterkloof follow a traditional, minimalistic approach in their gravitational cellar which means interfering as little as possible with the winemaking process. This allows the flavours prevalent in that specific vineyard to ultimately express themselves in the wine. To achieve this goal, all grapes are whole-bunch pressed, which ensures that juice is extracted in the gentlest way. The juice is then settled naturally for 24 hours. Naturally present wild yeast is employed to ferment the juice, mainly in old 600litre barrels (90%). This leads to a longer fermentation process with a slow release of aromas and a more structured palate. The natural fermentation process took 5 months to complete, after which the wine was left on the gross less for another 2 months. There are no added acid or enzymes during the winemaking process, with only a light filtration and a small addition of sulphur added as a preservative prior to bottling.
We love this elegant Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc. Long, slow fermentation and time on the lees gives a rich texture and mouthfeel, with a lingering minerality. An elegant wine with notes of white pepper, lime and a hint of green pepper on the nose with a fresh acidity.
Waterkloof achieved Biodiversity Champion status in 2008 which complements and integrates many key principles of biodynamic farming they have since converted the vineyard to these practices and in 2012 full certification was complete. Ceres and Demeter certified.
