A FRESH fish dish or summer salad cries out for good Sauvignon Blanc as a lunchtime companion. At R210 a bottle, the Family Reserve of Kleine Zalze in Stellenbosch is one of the Top 10 in the South African Wine Classification, but at half the price the winery’s Vineyard Selection offers particularly good value, the 2017 vintage achieving good reviews at the International Wine Challenge in the UK (silver medal) and Mondial in Belgium (gold), then placing among the SA Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 competition finalists before earning praise at Mondial du Sauvignon in Italy (gold).

Kleine Zalze Vineyard Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2017

WO Western Cape, with the fruit from vineyards near False Bay in Stellenbosch, Durbanville and Darling. The 2017 harvest was earlier than usual, following a very dry winter and growing season. Grapes picked early in the morning. After destemming and crushing the juice was given at least 24 hours skin contact, with the free-run juice separated for cold-fermentation. Three months on the lees before blending and bottling. A very reductive approach throughout the winemaking process.
Alc 13.5 | RS 3.1 | TA 7 | pH 3.4
Winemaker’s tasting notes: An aromatic wine with blackcurrant, green tropical fruit and hints of capsicum. A thirst-quenching palate with layers of fruit and subtle hints of minerality. Enjoy on release or within five years after vintage.
Cellar-door price: R108pb.