The words Sauvignon Blanc tend to bring to mind memories of warm summer days spent relaxing outside with friends. It is a globally cherished white grape varietal, which is famed for its distinct and diverse flavour profile. From crisp, grassy notes to rich, creamy undertones, this versatile grape produces an array of wines that captivate the senses, solidifying its worldwide appeal among wine connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
The History
Sauvignon Blanc (sometimes shortened to sauv blanc) is a widely recognised and universally appreciated grape varietal, and it gets its name from the French term ‘Sauvage’, translating to ‘wild’, so the Sauvignon Blanc meaning is ‘wild white (vine)’. The varietal came from France’s Loire Valley before making its way to South Africa.
The Sauvignon Blanc grape variety has a deep-rooted history in South Africa, with its cultivation dating back to as early as 1880 in Constantia. The oldest recognised block of this vine, however, is situated in Swartland and was planted around 1965.
Despite these early introductions, the prominence of Sauvignon Blanc did not immediately rise in South Africa’s wine industry. This was mainly due to the substandard planting materials that were disease-ridden, particularly by phylloxera. As a result, the growth and popularity of this variety remained dormant until the 1970s, when it started to gain momentum.
In present times, Sauvignon Blanc has carved a significant position in South Africa’s wine market. It now spans over 10,000 hectares, making up more than 10% of all vineyard areas in the country. It is also the fourth most cultivated grape variety in South Africa and contributes considerably to the annual local sale of 2.4 million cases of wine!
What are the Characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc?
Sauvignon Blanc (here is a useful video on the Sauvignon Blanc pronunciation) is a white grape variety known for its distinctive and vibrant flavour profile. The first sip of a Sauvignon Blanc typically offers a punchy, zesty taste characterised by high acidity that leaves a tingle on the palate. This acidity often manifests as a crisp, fresh citrus flavour reminiscent of lime or grapefruit. However, depending on where the grapes are grown, you might also detect flavours of green apple, pear, or even tropical fruits like passionfruit.
The aroma of this wine is equally intriguing and varied. It often exudes a fresh, green, herbaceous scent, hinting at grass, bell peppers, or even jalapenos. Some describe it as having a ‘green’ smell, akin to fresh-cut grass or dew-kissed leaves. In warmer climates, the aroma can be more tropical, with hints of melon, mango, or papaya.
Another unique characteristic of white wine Sauvignon Blanc is its minerality. Wines made from these grapes often have a flinty or chalky undertone, adding complexity and depth to the overall flavour profile. This minerality can also lend a slightly bitter finish, which perfectly complements the fruit-forward nature of the wine.
HER Wines 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, with its hints of freshly cut grass, green apple, and juicy grapefruit and granadilla flavours, presents itself with a crisp and zesty flavour profile. It truly is one of the best Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa, with its good price point and delicious flavours.
How Versatile is Sauvignon Blanc?
Sauvignon Blanc is a highly adaptable grape variety, exhibiting different styles of wine depending on the climate and winemaking techniques used. This versatility is one of its most appealing characteristics among winemakers. Here is how the climate can affect the final Sauvignon Blanc taste:
Cooler Climates
In cooler climates, Sauvignon Blanc wine is often light-bodied, high in acidity, and exhibits pronounced mineral and herbaceous flavours. These wines are typically unoaked and have vibrant notes of green apple, gooseberry, and lime, coupled with a distinctive grassy aroma.
Warmer Climates
In contrast, Sauvignon Blanc produces fuller-bodied wines with riper, more tropical fruit flavours such as passionfruit, guava, and peach. These wines may also be aged in oak barrels, resulting in a richer, creamier texture and adding nuanced flavours of vanilla and toast to the wine’s profile.
Is Sauvignon Blanc Sweet?
Sauvignon Blanc can be sweet as it is also used in the production of sweet dessert wines. It is often blended with Sémillon and Muscadelle and affected by noble rot, creating a lush, honeyed wine with complex flavours of apricot, fig, and nuts.
Vineyards in South Africa are known to produce late harvest and noble rot wines using 100% Sauvignon Blanc. These unique wines boast flavour profiles and scents of fig, quince, apricot, caramelised ginger, almond paste, and orange peel. This version of Sauvignon Blanc presents a sweet taste, balanced beautifully with a gentle, vibrant acidity.
Whether it’s a crisp, refreshing summer sipper, a rich, oaky white, or a decadent dessert wine, Sauvignon Blanc’s adaptability allows it to deliver a diverse range of styles catering to various palates.
What Foods Should You Pair Sauvignon Blanc With?
Because Sauvignon Blancs can contain such different flavour profiles depending on where they are grown, it means that they can also be paired with a wide variety of foods. Here are examples of how to pair dishes based on the flavour profile of the Sauvignon Blanc you’ll be drinking:
Citrus Flavours
This flavour profile harmonises well with fish dishes, either grilled or fried. It enhances the flavours of Greek and Mexican meals and works well with dishes featuring fresh ingredients like avocados, tomatoes and olives.
Strong Minerality
This style excels when matched with uncomplicated, subtly seasoned foods. Consider pairing it with raw or lightly cooked shellfish such as oysters and prawns and plainly grilled fish like sea bass. It also pairs nicely with dishes that include raw or lightly cooked tomatoes, like gazpacho or tomato vinaigrettes, as well as goat cheeses.
Oaked Sauvignon Blanc
This variety pairs wonderfully with white meats like chicken or veal, particularly when they’re served with a creamy sauce. It complements spring vegetables such as asparagus and peas or pasta dishes enriched with spring vegetables and creamy sauces. It also works well with simply prepared seafood or lightly smoked fish.
Grassy Flavours
This flavour profile is an excellent match for salads, especially those featuring seafood or ingredients like asparagus, green peppers, and herbs.
Food Pairing for HER Wines Sauvignon Blanc
The HER Wine Collection Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and zesty crowd pleaser. Great served chilled with a fresh green salad or crispy grilled chicken, turning an ordinary day into a memorable one.
About HER Wines
HER Wines is a groundbreaking wine company that is both all-black and all-female, making it a truly unique presence in the South African wine industry. What sets HER Wines apart is not only the fact that the wine is crafted by a talented black and female winemaker, but also that the entire process (from cultivation to production, marketing to distribution) is carried out by black women. This collective of remarkable individuals recognises the power of knowledge-sharing, mutual inspiration, and fostering connections within the diverse communities of South Africa.
The HER Wine Bursary: Making Dreams Come True
At HER Wine Collection, an all female winemaking company, our team has personally encountered and overcome significant obstacles on our journey to professional success. These experiences have provided us with a deep understanding of the challenges that young individuals face as they strive to find their place in the world. Inspired by this, we are committed to making a positive impact by donating 2% of our profits to a bursary fund. This fund aims to support young, ambitious, and talented individuals in achieving their dreams and aspirations.
The scholarship is open to applicants from families currently employed on the vineyards that supply grapes for the HER Wine Collection. The selected recipients will not only receive financial aid for their education, but also benefit from mentorship to navigate the intricacies of tertiary education and establish a successful career path.
Buy HER Sauvignon Blanc
If you are looking for Sauvignon Blanc brands to try, then don’t miss out on our 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, priced at only R90.00 a bottle. You can purchase it right here on our website and you will qualify for FREE shipping if you buy any 12 bottles of wine. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on everything at HER wines, and if you need any more information, then give us a call on +27 (0) 21 873 3170 or email info@herwinecollection.co.za.
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature red wine, a grape cultivar created back in 1925 by combining the French varietals Pinot Noir (for flavour) and Cinsaut (for vigour). Over the last century, this South African cultivar has developed a distinct profile that ranges from succulent berry flavours to notes of tobacco, liquorice and whiffs of smoke. Its unique taste and growing popularity make it a must-try for every wine lover. In this blog, we will explore the exciting history of this grape varietal as well as its distinct characteristics and food pairing options.
Origin and History
In 1925, Abraham Izak Perold, the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University, combined the Hermitage (better known as Cinsaut) and Pinot Noir cultivars in the garden of his residence at the Welgevallen Experimental Farm. This new varietal was named Pino-tage as a nod to both parent cultivars. His goal was to make a new grape that had the beautiful full flavours of Pinot from Burgundy but was as hardy, generous and disease-resistant as Cinsaut.
A few years later, Perold left the university to join KWV, and his garden became overgrown. Sometime later, a team of workers went in to clean up his overgrown garden, but serendipitously, Dr Charlie Niehaus, a young lecturer, was cycling past. He knew about the Pinotage vines and managed to rescue and replant them at Elsenburg Agricultural College nearby.
During a visit, Perold saw the grafted vines and recommended immediate propagation.
The First Vintage
The first Pinotage wine was made by CT de Waal at Elsenburg in 1941, and the first commercial, large-scale planting was at Myrtle Grove near Sir Lowry’s Pass in the Helderberg region. During that same year, Danie Rossouw and Paul Sauer planted some Pinotage vines at Kanonkop Estate.
The Rise of the New Grape Variety
Pinotage was relatively unknown on the global stage until Beyers Truter of Kanonkop won the 1987 Diner’s Club Wine of the Year award with this varietal. This recognition sparked a resurgence of interest in Pinotage within South Africa, leading to an increased number of winemakers exploring its potential. They began focusing more on bringing out the grape’s natural fruit character rather than relying heavily on oak ageing. This allowed them to achieve a more refined taste through less ripe extraction.
From 2007 to 2017, Pinotage saw substantial growth in quality, demand, and supply. At the start of the new millennium, around 3 million litres of Pinotage were produced annually. However, by 2017, domestic sales had soared to over 5 million litres, while exports had more than doubled from just over 8 million litres in 2001 to nearly 19 million litres. As of 2017, the Pinotage industry contributed an estimated R495 million to the South African economy.
What are the Characteristics of Pinotage?
Pinotage is renowned for its distinctive flavour profile and aroma. As a red wine, Pinotage is known for its high tannin content and bold, robust character. However, its flavours can vary greatly depending on how it’s made, with some typical notes including smoky, earthy undertones alongside a vibrant fruitiness.
What Does Pinotage Smell Like?
Pinotage often presents a deep, intense hue of ruby or purple. When it comes to aroma, this wine can be quite complex. It often showcases a range of fruity scents such as blackberry, plum, and raspberry. But there’s more to its aromatic profile. You might also detect hints of tobacco, coffee, dark chocolate, and even a unique ‘banana’ scent in certain wines made using carbonic maceration (a technique that makes the wine fruitier and softens the tannins).
What Does a Pinotage Taste Like?
Pinotage offers a fascinating blend of flavours. You can expect a harmony of dark fruits like black cherries and prunes, interspersed with subtle hints of spice and smoke. One of the distinguishing characteristics of Pinotage is its noted mocha or coffee-like taste, making it stand out from other red wines.
Pinotage is a bold, multifaceted wine that beautifully balances fruit, spice, and earthy elements. Its intriguing taste profile makes it a unique and enjoyable wine worth exploring. It has evolved into the signature red cultivar of the domestic wine industry.
What’s the Difference Between Pinotage and Pinot Noir?
Though Pinotage and Pinot Noir share a common ancestry, they are unique in their attributes. Pinotage is a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes, which results in a more robust variety that’s less challenging to grow. In contrast, Pinot Noir is notorious for its difficult growing process, typically creating lighter, more refined wines with a lower alcohol content.
Flavour-wise, Pinotage delivers a bolder, earthier profile with a higher tannin concentration, often compared to Shiraz. On the other hand, Pinot Noir is renowned for its understated elegance, often revealing flavours of red fruits with a smooth, velvety texture. Yet, despite these differences, both varieties captivate wine lovers worldwide with their inherent complexity.
What’s the Difference Between Pinotage and Merlot?
Merlot is known for its soft, velvety texture and plum, black cherry, and herbal flavours. Although it’s typically a medium to full-bodied wine, Pinotage can range from light and fruity to dark and smoky, often with notes of tropical fruit, plum, and sometimes a touch of smoke. When it comes to the question of Pinotage vs Merlot, a lot of it depends on personal preference.
Is Pinotage Unique to South Africa?
Most of the world’s Pinotage is grown in South Africa, especially in the fertile wine region of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, but it has made its way to other parts of the world. This includes countries such as New Zealand, the United States, Germany, Israel, Australia, Brazil, and Canada. This worldwide cultivation underscores the versatility and allure of Pinotage.
Despite its journey into wine areas all over the world, the heart of Pinotage is intrinsically linked to South Africa. It accounts for approximately 6% of the total vineyard area in the country.
What Food is it Best Paired with?
Pinotage wine is a versatile wine that complements a wide range of dishes. If you’re enjoying a light, easy-going Pinotage, consider matching it with a salami pizza or a robust beef stew. If your Pinotage leans more towards the earthy side, it’s great with a roast duck or a creamy mushroom risotto. Those deep, full-bodied ones shine when paired with hearty dishes like braised short ribs or a steak.
Our Her Wines 2022 Pinotage is delicious with meat platters, curry dishes or anything spicy.
HER Wines
The HER Wine Collection stands as a pioneering entity in the South African wine industry, being the first company to be entirely owned and managed by black women. From the vineyard to the bottle, every aspect of the production, marketing, and distribution process is handled by black women. They recognise the value in exchanging ideas, motivating one another, and widening their connections throughout the various diverse communities within South Africa.
The Her Wine Collection Pinotage 2022 lasts long on the palate with its juicy, ripe red berry fruit and aromatic spicy notes. It is a medium-bodied wine with velvety tannins.
HER Wine Bursary: Uplifting Communities
Our team at HER Wine Collection, an all-female winemaking company, has personally faced and overcome significant hurdles to attain professional success. These experiences have given us a clear understanding of the challenges that young people face trying to find their place in the world, and it inspired us to give some of them a hand up. Consequently, we have committed to donate 2% of our profits to a bursary fund to support young, ambitious, and gifted individuals in realising their aspirations.
Applicants eligible for this scholarship come from families currently employed on the vineyards that provide grapes for the HER Wine Collection. The chosen recipients will receive financial aid for their education, along with mentorship to guide them through the complexities involved in studying at a tertiary institution and establishing a career.
Pinotage at HER Wines
Our meticulous attention to detail during the winemaking process, from the careful selection of grapes to thoughtful ageing, makes the HER WIne Pinotage 2022 one of the best Pinotage in South Africa. Once the grapes are harvested and destemmed, they are pressed before the fermentation process is completed. This process results in a wine with beautiful fruit flavours and a complex structure. Instead of ageing the wine only in tanks, we also aged them in French oak barrels to add a luxurious oak finish to the wine.
In winter, red wine is synonymous with cosy night-time chats by the fire and long, lazy lunches with a rich roast and gravy. From a fruity Pinotage to a spicy Shiraz, each type of red wine has a unique flavour profile that will enhance the occasion wherever, whenever.
Red wines are not just to be consumed, they need to be sipped, savoured and considered, enjoyed at a pace which allows time for enjoyment and appreciation.
Whether it’s exploring new or unusual varietals, or reminiscing over old classics, take the time to explore the exciting, ever-changing world of red wine.
THE HISTORY OF RED WINE
Red wine has been around for centuries. Traces of tartaric acid, an obvious indication of wine, has been found in clay vessels in Iran, previously Persia, dating back to 3000 BC and before, long, long before any other beverage, besides water, was available for consumption.
Obviously, this was centuries before the discovery of refrigeration or chemical preservatives, so fermenting grapes to make wine was one on of the few ways of preserving liquid.
The first European settlers to the Cape of Good Hope in 1652 were specifically tasked with planting grapes to make wine that would be supplied to the passing ships, whose supply of fresh water would often not last the long sea voyage to the East.Today, red wine is so much more than simply a liquid refreshment. Red wines are enjoyed worldwide for their diverse and complex flavours and aromas but also, the best red wines tells the story of provenance. A good red wine expresses the terroir where the grapes are grown, be it on a rocky hillside, a cool verdant valley or a sandy, windblown slope, a good red wine will reflect that story in its character and texture, drawing the consumer into a big and beautiful story of heritage and geography.
EXPLORING DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF RED WINES
The world of red wines is vast, with many varietals, blends, and styles. Each different type of red wineoffers unique aromas and flavours that make it identifiable, from big bold Cabernet Sauvignons with aromas of black cherry, cedar and flint to spicy Shiraz with hints of chocolate, tobacco and peppercorn on the nose. Sweet or semi-sweet red wines go best with dessert.
In the Cape Winelands, where the climate is warm and dry, we can expect big, bold reds packed with flavours and character with excellent ageing potential.
And speaking of ageing, the tannins in red wines although softened by barrel maturation, allow the wine to age beautifully. As the red wine changes in colour from a purply puce to a dark garnet colour, so too do the flavours deepen in complexity and character, making it even more enjoyable.
PICKING THE PERFECT WINE
When picking the perfect bottle of red wine, one needs to consider the food, theprice and the taste profiles of the guests. Red wines can range from fruity and light, to rich and full-bodied. So, if you are serving delicately flavoured food, it’s best not to slam those flavours with a big, bold red. Similarly, a hearty casserole will not pair well with a light, fruity red. Wine and food are supposed to enhance each other, not cancel each other out.
Also, if guests are invited for a festive party, don’t expect them to sit down and savour your expensive bottle. Rather serve an easy-drinking wine that will get the party started, and keep your full-bodied red for a special occasion.
Exploring the world of red wines can be a rewarding and fun experience. There are two red wines in the HER Wine Collection that will enhance any occasion:
The HER Wine Collection Pinotage: This is a wine to entice and excite. Its rich, welcoming flavours will set the mood for a delightful evening.
Tasting events are another great way to explore different types of red wines in a more relaxed and social setting. These events typically involve sampling different types of red wine to better understand their nuances and flavours and often include food stalls where wines can be paired for different dishes and experiences can be shared with like-minded people.Typically, these events will feature a host of wineries offering a selection of wines from their range. These events can be a great way to learn about different types of red wines, gain insight into their flavour profiles, and pick up some tips from the experts on what to look out for.
HOW TO STORE RED WINE AT HOME
Once you’ve found the perfect bottle of red wine, it’s essential to know how to store it so that it can properly reach its full potential. Red wines should ideally be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources and vibrations that could affect their ageing potential and flavour. So storing in the kitchen near the stove or above the microwave; or even in the lounge near the fireplace might look good, but will ruin your wine. Rather pick a cool, dark place like under your bed or in a well-insulated storeroom cupboard.
Exploring the world of red wine can add a wonderful dimension to your life. It’s a great way to learn to appreciate the finer things in life be it food and friends, or the tradition and culture behind the ancient craft of winemaking.
The HER Wine Collection team is loyally following the paths of their first two bursary candidatesas they near the end of their first term in their first year of tertiary education. The year started in a flurry of administrative activity as deposits were paid, stationary was acquired, and laptops were formatted to set up these aspirant young women for success. Great was the anticipation for the start of something new, as for both of them, no-one in their families had ever had the chance to study further.
“While producing female winemakers in South Africa is important,” says HER Wineswinemaker Praisy Dlamini, “empowering women to impact all facets of society is paramount. Obtaining a tertiary qualification is so much more than getting the chance to get a higher paying job, it is a chance to learn soft skills like confidence and self-discipline, to network amongst peers on the same journey, to explore the world and find a place in it. This bursary prepares these young women for the world of work in a way that they get to make an impact on it, rather than the other way around.”
“We are committed to walking a path with these two young people,” continues Praisy. “Providing the funding is just part of our contribution, we want to share with them what we have learnt on our journeys thus far, in the hope that they will one day realise their own dreams.”
LeeGail Wagner is studying Marketing at Boland College in Paarl. Apparently, she has done “quite well” so far and is looking forward to taking an impressive report card home at the end of this term. While the subject of Marketing is her favourite, LeeGail is also enjoying other subjects, including Communications, Computer Literacy, Entrepreneurship and Business Administration. “We are learning all about consumer behaviour,” she explains. “It was a bit lonely at the beginning, but I soon made friends, and now I enjoy being on campus.”
LeeGail says she has also learnt a lot about herself: “I have also learned to ask questions if I don’t understand. I have also learnt better study methods. Every day when I get home, I summarise the work we did that day so that I don’t get behind.”
Praisy again: “We noticed an indefinable spark in LeeGail. It’s a combination between dogged determination and a gentle joy that makes us believe in her ability to make it.”
Caylin Samuels is studying Educare at Huguenot College in Wellington. “Everything is going well,” she says. “The work is interesting, and our lecturer is like a second mother to us. Our class is like a family.”
“College is not the same as school,” she continues. “I have to work much harder, but I like the work as it is about my passion, so I really don’t mind all the hours I spend doing my homework. My goal towards becoming a teacher is getting closer.”
Caylin is also pleased to have met and made so many new friends: “My classmates come from all over. There are students from nearby towns, and some in the hostel come from faraway places in the Northern Cape. It is interesting to hear about what it’s like where they come from.”
The Educare course has a significant practical component, and Caylin will start her first stint at the Bosman Adama crèche at the end of May this year. She is determined to pay forward the opportunity she has been given by impacting young lives.
“Caylin is both perceptive and intelligent,” says Praisy. “She combines conscientiousness and passion to achieve her goals, and she is only just discovering the potential of that.”
“We are a group of trailblazers, growing a business in unchartered territory. We’re passionate about investing in more young women who will be pioneers in their own fields while they inspire others to reach higher and wider,” concludes Praisy.
The HER Wine Collection bursary is funded by 2% of the profits from all bottled wine sales.
Well, the harvest is over, but the winemaking process is not! While the vineyards of the wine farms of the Western Cape are turning burnished colours under cloudy skies, the grapes from the harvest are being put through their paces in the cellar, becoming red and white wines that will speak of their journey thus far and age well in your cellar.
The first Cape wines of the 2023 harvest will start emerging in late June if they are white, and maybe only next June if they are red and being matured in oak. This is a time in the cellar that requires more thought than action. After having vinified all the grapes, now is the time to think about blending and creating something extra special or super on-point. Here our female winemaker shows her worth by thoughtfully applying her wily skills to the craft of winemaking, creating wines that will last in both bottle and memory. She would regularly taste wine samples from the various tanks and barrels, blending the contents with others to get just the right combination of flavour, character and complexity to produce a wine that is well balanced and appealing.
While it is important that the wine shows off the characteristics of the grape varietal, the winemaker also has to consider the specific style within the parameters of that varietal, and at the same time express the terroir from whence the grapes were harvested, as well as that imprint of that specific vintage.
Juggling all of that is quite a task. Cape wines have a certain signature profile which differentiates them from other wine regions of the world, and specific grape varietals do too. Added to that, a warm vintage might give more generous flavours and higher alcohol levels, while a cooler vintage might give more delicate flavours.
Once she is happy, the laborious process of bottling and labelling takes place, and then once that’s done, the wine is packaged and delivered across the country to both retailers and consumers to open and enjoy.
The HER Wine Collection already has an impressive following, having created a name for itself as a range of delicious wines that will enhance any occasion, be it an informal gathering or an intimate dinner. These wines by women are for everyone, the catalysts for joy, for fun and for celebration.
White wine
Chill the Sauvignon Blanc and serve it to the girls over a salad, or simply as an aperitif.
Make sure you have several bottles of Chenin Blanc in the fridge when friends come over to watch the rugby, but keep some hidden at the back so you have something to enjoy after a long day at work.
Red Wine
Stash a bottle of the Pinotage for an unexpected sexy night, or to pack in for a party night out.
Keep that Shiraz for when friends come over that you want to impress, you’ll need quite a few, it’s very more-ish you know.
The HER Wine Collection is a small but comprehensive range of wines that will pair with a variety of dishes, and enhance a myriad of occasions. These wines taste of the Cape, their style is generous and their quality excellent.
And remember …. 2% of sales go to funding the tertiary education of young people with big dreams. Join in their journey and make a meaningful difference!.
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