Sauvignon Republic Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2007
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"We have always felt that Sauvignon Blanc is the single best grape varietal to match up with global flavors. Our Stellenbosch, with its bright citrus and under-lying tropical fruit notes, would be perfect with foods that have both briny and chile-spice flavors."
- Chef John Ash
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- Wine Spectator
Sauvignon Blanc is a grape variety that expresses "terroir" (the place that it is grown) more profoundly than almost any other grape variety. California, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile and France are the locations where it has shown greatness. Sauvignon Republic intends to produce a wine in each area. It will allow them to promote and share the unique flavors that each location provides.
Food styles and flavors have changed profoundly in recent years. Asian, Hispanic and Indian flavors and techniques are being widely embraced by both chefs and home cooks. European and Mediterranean flavors of course will continue to be a part of "American" food but the increasing influence of these new cuisines is having a profound impact on wine choices. Sauvignon Blanc has the unique ability to wrap itself around all of these new flavors and cuisines.
Capable of a vast array of styles, Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing variety that equally reflects both terroir and varietal character. Though it can vary depending on where it is grown, a couple of commonalities always exist—namely, zesty acidity and intense aromatics. This variety is of French provenance. Somm Secret—Along with Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc is a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon. That green bell pepper aroma that all three varieties share is no coincidence—it comes from a high concentration of pyrazines (herbaceous aromatic compounds) inherent to each member of the family.
With an important wine renaissance in full swing, impressive red and white bargains abound in South Africa. The country has a particularly long and rich history with winemaking, especially considering its status as part of the “New World.” In the mid-17th century, the lusciously sweet dessert wines of Constantia were highly prized by the European aristocracy. Since then, the South African wine industry has experienced some setbacks due to the phylloxera infestation of the late 1800s and political difficulties throughout the following century.
Today, however, South Africa is increasingly responsible for high-demand, high-quality wines—a blessing to put the country back on the international wine map. Wine production is mainly situated around Cape Town, where the climate is generally warm to hot. But the Benguela Current from Antarctica provides brisk ocean breezes necessary for steady ripening of grapes. Similarly, cooler, high-elevation vineyard sites throughout South Africa offer similar, favorable growing conditions.
South Africa’s wine zones are divided into region, then smaller districts and finally wards, but the country’s wine styles are differentiated more by grape variety than by region. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is the country’s “signature” grape, responsible for red-fruit-driven, spicy, earthy reds. When Pinotage is blended with other red varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or Pinot Noir (all commonly vinified alone as well), it is often labeled as a “Cape Blend.” Chenin Blanc (locally known as “Steen”) dominates white wine production, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc following close behind.