Simonsig Sauvignon Blanc Sunbird

BACKGROUND
Simonsig first bottled a Sauvignon Blanc in 1978, but it has only been in the last 10 years that the variety has started to reach its full potential. Meticulous attention to site and clonal selection, as well as optimal canopy management in the vineyard, consistently results in quality grapes packed with flavour. Terroir plays a significant role when it comes to the quality of the Simonsig Sauvignon Blanc Sunbird. Over the last few years new Sauvignon Blanc plantings were made on the coolest site on the Estate.

VINIFICATION
Grapes are picked during cool early mornings based on taste to keep track of flavour development in the vineyard and are handled reductively all the way through vinification. Limited skin contact is allowed on select batches to maximise fruit without losing acidity. Gentle pressing and lower juice recovery give rise to greater elegance. The juice is settled brilliantly clear and inoculated with a select yeast strain. Fermentation temperatures are kept low at 12-14 °C to ensure slow fermentation and enhance fruit intensity. After fermentation the wine is kept on the lees as long as possible (2-6 months) and stirred regularly to enhance mouth feel.

CELLARING POTENTIAL
Further development of flavours should take place in 12 to 24 months after the vintage, but the fruitiness is more pronounced early on.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS
A perfect aperitif on a warm summer day, this wine also works very well with rich and fatty foods. Try it with salads, goat’s milk cheese, lemon-garnished fish dishes and Thai foods.

ANALYSIS
Alcohol: 13.2% by volume (label alc: 13%)
rs : 1.7 g/l  pH : 3.2  ta : 6.4 g/l
type : White  style : Dry  taste : Fruity
pack : Bottle  size : 750ml  closure : Screwcap