Prescient Sauvignon Blanc Report 2020: Sauv-Sem Blends Top 10

Introduction

This year’s Sauvignon Blanc Report convened by winemag.co.za and sponsored by multinational financial services company Prescient is to be released sequentially. There were 115 entries in total and these were tasted blind (labels out of sight) by a three-person panel, scoring done according to the 100-point quality scale.

Sauv-Sem Blends Top 10

The 10 best Sauv-Sem Blends are as follows:

Brunia White 2018
Price: R250
Wine of Origin: Sondagskloof
Abv: 13%

Constantia Glen Two 2019
Price: R290
Wine of Origin: Constantia
Abv: 13.5%

Delaire Graff White Reserve 2018
Price: R425
Wine of Origin: Western Cape
Abv: 13.82%

Durbanville Hills The Tangram 2019
Price: R375
Wine of Origin: Durbanville
Abv: 14.23%

Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve 2018
Price: R135
Wine of Origin: Elim
Abv: 14.23%

Iona One Man Band White 2017
Price: R229
Wine of Origin: Elgin
Abv: 13.79%

Lanzerac Keldermeester Versameling Bergstroom 2017
Price: R200
Wine of Origin: Western Cape
Abv: 13.91%

Shannon Vineyards Capall Bán 2017
Price: R295
Wine of Origin: Elgin
Abv: 13.49%

Tokara Directors Reserve White 2017
Price: R280
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 13.57%

Vergelegen G.V.B White 2018
Price: R440
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
Abv: 13.92%

About the category

Sauvignon Blanc is an extremely popular variety that typically makes aromatic, crisp, dry and extremely distinctive wines all over the world. The appellations of Pouilly-Fumé and Sancerre in the central France’s Loire Valley produce benchmark versions of the variety while New Zealand has also become closely associated with it in modern times. In Bordeaux, meanwhile, Sauvignon is frequently blended with Semillon to good effect.

Most Sauvignon Blanc is fermented at relatively low temperatures in stainless steel with the intention of preserving as much primary fruit as possible. Picking dates and winemaking have a huge influence on style, but the best examples provide a recognisable sense of place, too. Barrel fermentation and maturation, as well as the addition of Semillon, are two ploys to provide the wines from the variety with extra depth and complexity.

What does a top Sauv-Sem Blend go for?

The average cellar-door price of the Top 10 is R291,90 a bottle with Flagstone Treaty Tree Reserve 2018 the most affordable at R135 a bottle.

In-depth analysis

To read the report in full, including key findings, tasting notes for the top wines, buyer’s guide and scores on the 100-point quality scale for all wines entered, download the following: Prescient Sauvignon Blanc Report 2020

Shop online

Johannesburg boutique wine retailer Dry Dock Liquor is offering all wines in the Top 10 for sale – buy now.

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