Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc Clara 2023 750ml

The Klein Constantia 2023 Constantia Clara Sauvignon Blanc draws its fruit specifically from six plots in the middle section of the amphitheater-shaped vineyard. This fruit is usually harvested last. The wine sees nine months in oak, and the best barrels are selected for this program, with 30% of the total going into new, lightly toasted Burgundian barrels. The rest goes into foudre. This expression is quite delicate and finessed with crushed sandstone, orchard fruit and fynbos. However, the mouthfeel steals the show thanks to its mineral-rich, super smooth finish. Production is 4,500 bottles.

• Country: South Africa
• Region: Coastal Region
• Appellation: Constantia
• Size: 750ml
• Color: White

Varietal

Sauvignon Blanc

The green skinned grapes of the Sauvignon Blanc varietal had their origins in Southern France, where they are still widely grown and used for many of the excellent young and aged white wines the region is famous for. Today, however, they are grown in almost every wine producing country in the world, and are widely revered for their fresh and grassy flavors, full of tropical notes and refreshing, zesty character. Sauvignon Blanc grapes thrive best in moderate climates, and ripen relatively early in the year. This has made them a favorite for many wineries in the New World, where they can still produce healthy and high yields in the earlier part of the summer before the temperatures become too hot. Too much heat has a massively adverse effect on Sauvignon Blanc, as the grapes become dull in their flavor, and the wine produced from them loses all its unique character and high points. As such, Sauvignon Blanc farmers have had a lot of trouble from global warming and climate change, as they are being forced to harvest their crops increasingly earlier in the year when it is cool enough to do so.