There are a number of countries who are significant producers of Sauvignon Blanc, which accounts for 121 000 hectares of plantings worldwide. France's Sancerre has 2000 ha, Chile's Casablanca has 1980 ha, and New Zealand's famous Marlborough region has a massive 22 900 ha under Sauvignon Blanc.
South Africa's quality is right up there. With 92 000 ha under vine, only 10% is planted with Sauvignon Blanc (9 000 ha). Only 2% of the total Sauvignon Blanc plantings are in Constantia (188 ha), so it is a tiny proportion of the whole. There are only nine producers in the Constantia Wine Route and the quantities produced are really small, which allows a very focused approach to produce top quality wines. These hand-crafted wines also demand a higher price, which helps to raise the image of South African wines too.
With the best Sauvignon Blancs coming from cooler regions, the proximity to the ocean of Constantia is another major advantage, with the first plantings happening at Groot Constantia in the 1880's. Many of the vineyards are south-facing and the ocean breezes keep the vineyards cool.
Almost half of the plantings at the 9 wineries in the region is under Sauvignon Blanc, which is why they are launching the first ever variety-focused wine route, the Constantia Sauvignon Blanc Wine Route. Visitors can enjoy Sauvignon Blanc focused tastings of both current and older vintages.
At a recent tasting presented by the very knowledgeable Cathy Marston, we were introduced to various flights from the members, with each winery presenting three wines. The idea was also to showcase older white wines, and we had a few 10 year olds, a 5 year olds and a 1 year old wines from each winery. The 10-year olds were often quite different from the younger wines, but still very accessible and delicious. It seems the best age is about 5 years old.
The Wine Route's plan is to curate their tasting route so that consumers have an opportunity to taste these older wines too, with incentives and the ability to purchase mixed packs from their new online store.
Sauvignon Blancs from Steenberg, Buitenverwachting, Groot Constantia, Constantia Glen,
Silvermist, Beau Constantia, Constantia Royale & Klein Constantia
With the first Friday in May being International Sauvignon Blanc day - now is the time to stock up or look out for events on the day to attend and enjoy.
Constantia is steeped in history and is a rich and diverse destination of it’s own within Cape Town, with wine farms, restaurants & many other attractions to look forward to on a short or long visit!
For more info visit www.constantiawineroute.com.