To say we are excited about our 2020 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc would be a huge understatement.
It is amazing how, in the world of wine, one comes to realise more and more that, even if some water separates us, wine almost certainly always unites us.
This was the case when a series of chance encounters and visits with friends over the past few years led to a global collaboration which resulted in our exciting new take on a wine steeped in history and tradition.
The noble sauvignon blanc has been re-interpreted many times in the recent past which saw it rise in a stellar climb to become one of the most popular wines in the new world. Despite the dizzying success of the flashy new interpretation of sauvignon blanc, there is much that has yet to be said, or perhaps rather much to be remembered about the princely heritage, rich history and humble origin of this noble white grape that can so subtly and singularly communicate the story of its home.
Inspired in no small part by our visits to friends in Sancerre and Bordeaux who kindly shared their passion and experience, we are excited to reveal our Alvi’s Drift Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, a wine that honours the heritage and wisdom of the past while embracing the innovation of the present and easily holds its own when compared to some of the best South African wines of the same varietal.
Picked from vines growing in the ancient limestone soils of the farm’s old river banks, our cooler, south-facing hill slopes and the well-drained, sandy loam soils of the plains, this wine uniquely expresses our vision of marrying heritage and innovation in the unique language of Alvi’s Drift.
Our tradition and philosophy of hand harvesting in the early morning hours to ensure the grapes arrive cool and fresh at the winery, remain. We only pick bunches that have reached complete phenolic ripeness. These bunches are de-stemmed and partially crushed before starting their journey in the cellar. Cultured wild yeasts are introduced for the fermentation, which is completed in new French oak barrels. Further barrel maturation then commences for at least 6 months.
The semillon grapes are vinified the same way and separately fermented and matured in-barrel. Finally, the barrels are tasted and only the best wines will be selected for the final blend which becomes our Alvi’s Drift Reserve Sauvignon Blanc wine.
The final wine showcases the very best of sauvignon blanc from the Alvi’s Drift vineyards, with 10% semillon adding complexity and a beautiful roundness to the palate. The wine has a beautiful complexity on the nose, with hints of elderflower, white peach, lemon and lime, along with cut grass.
The wine’s palate is well rounded, almost creamy, with silky-soft tannins backed by fruit that follows through from the nose; perfectly complimented by crisp acidity while fruit flavours linger with a refreshing, clean-lime finish.
A vision to produce wines from our family farm that stand proudly shoulder-to-shoulder with the very best in the world. A philosophy of honouring thousands of years of wine culture – without bowing to it in the pursuit of innovation, excellence, quality and flavour.
Alvi’s Drift is the name of the low-water bridge across the Breede River which links the two sides of the family farm. Commissioned by our founder, the first Albertus Viljoen “Oupa Alvi” van der Merwe, the bridge was constructed in 1928. Affectionally named “Alvi’s Drift” by the local community, it is still in common use today.
Alvi’s Drift now gives its name to the family owned Alvi’s Drift Private Cellar and the outstanding range of award-winning South African wines produced there.
Visit our online wine shop and find your favourite Alvi’s Drift wines today.