Wild Air-Storm Wines (75cl)
agent, Ben Henshaw. Grapes are sourced from Ignis vineyard in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in South Africa. Inspired by the more restrained, textural styles of Sauvignon Blanc rarely made in South Africa, this is an outstanding wine with a small production.
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Cape South Coast, South Africa
Alcohol: 12.5%
Tasting notes/pairing options: Wild Air is a brilliant, zippy, concentrated Sauvignon with good textural depth to match its freshness – close your eyes and you could be drinking a ripe vintage Sancerre.
Uncertified organic
The vineyard/the winemaking:
Most of the vineyard is planted with Pinot, but there is a small section of 20-year-old Sauvignon Blanc vines, quite unusual for the region, growing on low-vigour, stony, clay-rich shale soils. Winemaking is hands-off. Grapes are pressed with a basket press. Fermentation is with natural yeasts, mostly in neutral 228-litre French oak and with a small part in tank. The wine rests on the lees for 6 months and a quarter of it completes full malolactic fermentation. Bottled without fining or filtration.