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While many wine critics will scoff at Sauvignon Blanc for its linearity, even simplicity, with its high acid and characteristic pong of pyrazines, a chemical compound found in the skin and stems of the grape responsible for the divisive "green" aromas - often referred to as cat's pee (it's a thing, ask the MWs), it is the grape's chameleon-like tendencies that have made it one of the most popular wine grapes in the world.
In South Africa, despite our foray into a variety of more and more esoteric grape varieties to stave off the effects of climate change and in our almighty bid to be DIFFERENT (look, don't get me wrong, I LOVE this about us), it is an inconvenient truth that despite our efforts, Sauvignon Blanc remains our second most planted grape variety, and arguably one of the best-selling grape varieties in the world. With 10 028,08ha planted (according to Sawis's 2023 statistics - thank you, Hendrik), 707.28ha up from 10 years ago (Chenin Blanc declined by 1 697.77ha, although still our top planted variety at 16 192.18ha).
It, therefore, makes sense that Sauvignon Blanc SA and its members have been systematically challenging the status quo on South African Sauvignon Blanc, producing ever more esoteric and ultra-premium examples of it, exploring that very diversity that sets us apart from the world, containing a whole universe of expression within our borders. I think I was first struck by Sauvignon Blanc's abilities, standing in the Slanghoek Cellar in the Breedekloof Valley during harvest and being assaulted by an overwhelming scent of guava from Breedekloof Sauvignon Blanc, tropical and rich, in direct contrast to its austere Cape South Coast siblings.
