Tuesday, March 12, 2013

African Passion 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, Western Cape

At the southern tip of the African continent, where two oceans meet, lies a great center of international winemaking. South Africa today is a peaceful democracy with a winemaking tradition that dates back more than three centuries.
The African Passion line of wines by KWV debuted this year with eight different varieties.When you purchase a bottle, 10% of the proceeds benefit TransAfrica Forum (www.transafrica.org), the oldest and largest African-American human rights and social justice advocacy organization.
The Western Cape of South Africa is the southernmost region of the continent and has a Mediterranean type climate and diverse soils. South Africa is known for great white wines, especially Chenin Blanc, so we were anxious to open this bottle.
The wine has a screw top closure and is a light gold in the glass. The aroma is grassy and slightly floral. On the palate the wine is light in body with a bit of mineral acidity. The wine has flavor notes of tropical fruit and a slight pop of sweetness – enough for Green Dragon to call it off dry. There is a bit of mouthwatering acidity
In terms of winemaking style, South Africa has one foot in the Old World and one in the New. This wine has more finesse and less of the tanginess you’ll find in the New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs.
This is an enjoyable sipper that would do well chilled on its own or perhaps with a green salad.
Full Disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.
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