Semillon 2021

Located in the Franschhoek Valley, in the heart of the Western Cape, the vineyard for this cuvée is rooted in ancient soils combining alluvial sand, decomposed granite, and shale. The Sémillon parcels mainly come from old vines planted at moderate altitudes, benefiting from cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean. This climate, tempered by maritime influence, allows for slow and steady grape maturation, preserving their natural acidity. The varietal blend is complemented by selections from neighboring Swartland terroirs, adding complexity and depth to the wine's profile.

The Sémillon grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, then gently whole-bunch pressed. The must is gravity-fed into French oak barrels, mostly used, where slow fermentation with indigenous yeasts takes place. The wine then ages on fine lees, with controlled bâtonnage, for extended maturation in barrels, allowing it to gain texture and complexity while preserving the freshness and aromatic purity characteristic of the Franschhoek terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus, stone fruit, and juicy pear, enhanced by floral touches of white flowers and linden, as well as spicy nuances of ginger and white pepper. Precise aging brings woody accents of vanilla, toasted bread, and a subtle smoky undertone. The palate is full and textured, supported by a straight acidity, a fine mineral salinity, and a long, savory, persistent finish.

The first grape vines were planted in South Africa by Dutch settlers in the 1650s, although wine production did not really take off until the arrival of French Protestants in the 1680s with their skills and knowledge of viticulture. Stellenbosch is also a historic wine region, with the first vineyards being planted there in the 1690s. Today, South Africa is one of the most important wine producing countries in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 300 years of winemaking history, it is often described as a bridge between the Old and New Worlds. The majority of wines are produced using New World winemaking techniques, but they often share more in common stylistically with their Old World counterparts. Since the end of apartheid, South African wine has received international attention and acclaim for its wide variety of styles. South Africa's wine industry is spread across the lush and rugged landscape of the Western Cape. Here, the abundance of mountains, valleys and plateaus allows winemakers to produce a wide variety of styles. Vineyards are also found in the Orange River region of the Northern Cape, where the flat, arid landscape is dominated by the Kalahari Desert. Most of South Africa's wine regions have a Mediterranean climate, heavily influenced by the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country's signature grape variety is Pinotage, an indigenous cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault that is rarely found in quantity in other wine-producing countries. Shiraz (Syrah) is also widely planted, as are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often combined in a Bordeaux blend). South African Chardonnay, Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc have become popular internationally in recent years.