Our newest varietal as of 2007, Sauvignon Blanc is something we are particularly excited about at Kleinhoekkloof. Excited because our second release, the 2009, is that good. But first, an overview on the varietal.

This, from Wikipedia

Sauvignon blanc is a green-skinned grape variety which originates from the Bordeaux region of France. The grape gets its name from the French word sauvage (”wild”) and blanc (”white”) due to its early origins as an indigenous grape in South West France. It is now planted in many of the world’s wine regions, producing a crisp, dry, and refreshing white varietal wine. Conversely, the grape is also a component of the famous dessert wines from Sauternes and Barsac. Sauvignon blanc is widely cultivated in France, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, California, and South America.

Depending on the climate, the flavor can range from aggressively grassy to sweetly tropical. Wine experts have used the phrase “crisp, elegant, and fresh” as a favorable description of Sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley and New Zealand.Sauvignon blanc, when slightly chilled, pairs well with fish or cheese, particularly Chèvre. It is also known as one of the few wines that can pair well with sushi.

The Sauvignon Blanc which comes from our farm has a marked minerality to it, something rare in South African vintages, which are often fruit driven, especially tropical fruits.

Easily the most popular white wine varietal in South Africa due to its easy pairing with many food types, Sauvignon Blanc can be paired with: appetizers such as artichoke dip, veggie dishes or dips, garlic or Italian seasonings in creamy sauces, fragrant salads – like Greek, Caesar or Garden, Thai food, fish (sushi), poultry and the list goes on, and on.

Kleinhoekkloof currently has a limited amount of 2008 Sauvignon Blanc in the market, and the 2009 is due to be released in just a few weeks. Keep an eye out, or even better, contact us directly to reserve yours. Its not going to last long…

Kleinhoekkloof Wines has several varietals of grapes on the farm and as an education to many of our followers, we want to give an overview of each varietal to you. The biggest varietal on the farm is Syrah / Shiraz.

A quick overview from Wikipedia give us this…

Syrah is a dark-skinned grape grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce powerful red wines. Syrahs enjoy great popularity in the marketplace, relatively often under the name Shiraz.

DNA profiling in 1999 found Syrah to be the offspring of two obscure grapes from southeastern France, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche.[2] It should not be confused with Petite Sirah, a synonym for Durif, a cross of Syrah with Peloursin dating from 1880.

Ok, but what does that mean to you, the consumer?

Shiraz wines display firm tannins (although they are typically ripe and smooth, not abrasive like younger reds can be), a medium to full body, and the rich round flavors of black cherry, blackberry, plum, bell pepper, black pepper, clove, licorice, dark chocolate and smoked meat.

Shiraz (the french call is Syrah but we South Africans go by Shiraz) from Kleinhoekkloof has a mysterious potpourri that can only be described as a hauntingly beautiful smoky lurk that stems from the surrounding fynbos and channeled by the 4:30pm wind that blows up the valley every afternoon.

You should be eating the following foods when paired with a juicy Kleinhoekkloof Shiraz: grilled meats or veggies, wild game, richly flavored red meats, beef stew and meat lover’s pizza.

Kleinhoekkloof Shiraz is currently available in 2006 and 2007 vintages.