Vintage whites add touch of zest
2008-09-04
TOP German oenologist Monika Christmann, will address this year’s Nederburg Auction on 20 September. She commented recently on how a clear South African wine style has evolved over the past decade. She noted the role of Sauvignon Blanc in helping the country to achieve a unique and distinctive identity. For a time regarded as the preserve of New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc has given this country the opportunity to prove its mettle as an exciting and quality New World player. Sauvignon Blanc may be the third most popular white in the US, but anecdotal evidence amongst local retailers suggests it is the favoured varietal white, appealing to the aficionados as well as those seeking a refreshing, but uncomplicated drink. It was South Africa’s love affair with the grape and a desire to accord white wines the respect they deserve that prompted the organisers of the Nederburg Auction to introduce for the first time last year, a category devoted to current vintage whites. This year the organisers received double the number of producers submitting their wines for selection in this category and Dave Hughes and his fellow judges were hard- pressed to narrow down the choice to just seven wines. As was the case last year, they are all Sauvignon Blanc wines, probably because this is a cultivar capable of showing its charms at an early age.
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