Magdalena Semillon, 2018

A uniquely South African take on a Bordeaux-style blend. Light and pale golden straw in colour, with grapefruit, lime peel, jasmine and spice. Rich, but balanced by lively acidity.

Meet the maker: Gabriëlskloof

Region: Bot River, Cape South Coast – South Africa

Grape(s): Semillon (85%), Sauvignon Blanc (15%)

13% ABV / 750ml / Vegetarian / Vegan

Viticulture:

2018 is the first vintage to be labelled as a Semillon - making up 85% of the blend with 15% Sauvignon Blanc.

The Semillon was sourced from low yielding, 40-year-old vines in Franschhoek, which add a textural dimension to the blend, as well as a younger vineyard in the Swartland, planted on decomposed Granite soils.

The Sauvignon Blanc is from the Gabriëlskloof farm, where the vines are 15 years old.

The vines are planted on south-facing slopes with a combination of Table Mountain Sandstone and Bokkeveld Shales soils.

The cool maritime climate of the farm results in naturally lower yields – typically six tonnes per hectare.

Winemaking:

Both the Semillon and the Sauvignon Blanc grapes were whole bunch pressed and barrel-fermented using only native yeasts.

Both wines spent about ten months on lees, in 400 and 500 litre old French oak barrels, before being blended and bottled.

20% of the wine was matured in clay amphorae.