Steenberg Constantia

'Barrel Fermented' Sauvignon Blanc, 2023

750ml
In stock: 3 bottles
$30
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Varietal Composition: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
RS: 1.6
Cellaring Potential: 5 - 7 years
ABV: 14.04%

Description

Both terroir and treatment are immediately evident in the glass. A resonance of dill, capers, greengage, and wet granite marry on both the nose and palate. Acidity and spice form the backbone, dominating on the palate, while a pithy yet creamy texture rounds out the overall mouthfeel. The textured, juicy palate shows citrus zest, vanilla and apricot.

A lingering herbaceous and mineral finish completes the experience. This wine will be enhanced by a food pairing such as shellfish, or a Thai curry accented by ginger and lemongrass. Drink now, but wait five to seven years for a truly evolved experience.
A unique Sauvignon Blanc, the 2023 Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc hails from carefully selected vineyard blocks on our Constantia estate. A fresh coastal breeze cools the vines, ensuring the grapes retain a bracing acidity alongside pure fruit character. The wine was fermented and aged in a combination of large (400l, 500l and 600l) French oak barrels (a few 1st, 2nd and 3rd fill but mainly older) and a concrete egg (16% of the total blend) for a total of 7 months. After maturation the wine was returned for stabilization and filtration before bottling in November 2023.

Winemaker: Elunda Basson
Steenberg holds the distinction of being the oldest farm in the picturesque Constantia Valley, which is generally considered to be South Africa’s premier wine growing region. With its cool, sea-facing slopes and majestic granite ridges, this vineyard has developed a worldwide reputation for producing excellent Cape wines. The estate boasts a state of the art modern winery, producing some of the country’s finest award winning wines.

* Prior vintage described.

Flavor Profiles

wet gravel

Wet gravel

vanilla

Vanilla

apricots

Apricots

cream

Cream

In the cellar

About the Winery

Location

Constantia, South Africa

Constantia, South Africa

Constantia Valley is the oldest wine-growing region in Southern Africa with winemaking dating back to 1685. Nestled between ancient soils and cooled by refreshing sea breezes, the vineyards thrive without much need for irrigation due to the region’s abundant annual rainfall. These ideal growing conditions and gentle temperatures create a perfect environment for producing elegant and world-renowned wines. Discover the rich heritage and exceptional flavors that have made Constantia Valley a cornerstone of South African winemaking for centuries.