AS THE producer says: Uva is the Latin word for grape. Mira means worthy of admiration… The name also shares a cosmic link: the red, giant binary star Mira, the most notable twinkle in the Cetus constellation. Hence the somewhat wacky label of The Mira Sauvignon Blanc, which came under the spotlight again with a gold medal for the 2017 vintage at Concours Mondial du Sauvignon 2018.

There are very few if any other Stellenbosch wine farms as high as Uva Mira at an altitude of 620m in parts yet just nine kilometres from the Atlantic. On some days, Toby Venter’s vineyards are literally in the clouds, and the Sauvignon Blanc is planted closer to the stars than any of his other varieties on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain Range.

Uva Mira The Mira Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Grapes 100% from the farm. Method of winemaking not disclosed.
Alc 13.44, R/S 1.6, TA 6.6, pH 3.23.
Clear colour. “Summery aromas of green apple and guava,” with lingering minerality. “Refreshing on the palate… tropical papaya, green melon, naartjie and a twist of lime.” Flinty minerality on the finish. Optimum serving temperature: 12° to 14° C.
R150 a bottle at the cellar door