Select another wine

Saga Vineyards

2021

‘Patatsblanc’

White Blend   |   Montagu - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

If the old vine, single vineyard, Patatsfontein Chenin Blanc has entered the echelon of ‘first growth’ Chenins in South Africa, this vineyard blend has done the same for white blends as well. This is the wine that defines this unique and incredible site. One that legend Chris Alheit told Fritz that his father-in-law should stop selling the fruit to the co-op but Chris didn’t have time to make the wine himself. Chris introduced Reenen and the rest was history. Montagu slate shines here and this wine is a fresh, mineral driven blend. The 2021 vintage sees Colombard take the lead as the dominant variety in the blend.

All of the fruit was hand-harvested and the varieties kept separate.  The fruit was whole-bunch pressed directly to a few 10hL concrete tanks for the Chenin Blanc and a couple of 600L Stockinger barrels for the Colombard.  Fermentation occurred naturally and over the course of nearly three weeks on the gross lees.  After 10 months of aging and without any rackings or battonage, the lots were blended to a stainless-steel tank to settle, then bottled without fining or filtration and with a small addition of sulfur.

Stats

  • Grapes: 55% Colombard - 45% Chenin Blanc
  • Vineyard: Patatsfontein Vineyard
  • Vine Age: 34-years-old (Colombard) - 15-years-old (Chenin Blanc)
  • Soil Type: Grey slate and shale
  • Viticulture: Practicing organic
  • Fermentation: Native – 100% whole-bunch pressed (Chenin in concrete and Colombard in fourth passage 600L Stockinger tonneau)
  • Skin Contact: None
  • Aging: 10 months on gross lees in fermentation vessels (no battonage)
  • Alcohol: 12.5%
  • pH: 3.19
  • Total Acidity: 6.4 g/L
  • Total SO2: 80 ppm
  • Total Production: 542 cases
  • UPC: 0700083416667

Tasting Note

A substantial wine that’s full of personality. The nose shows a floral top note before pear, peach, apple and citrus with a hint of reduction in the background while the palate has good weight and texture, the acidity is nicely coated and the finish gently savory.

Press & Reviews

Platter's Guide

92

"Colombard’s dried wild herb notes effectively light up chenin’s juicier flavours in 2021. A yin-yang of tension & breadth plus a grippy dry finish add to distinction & refreshment. Portion aged in older large oak."

-Angela Lloyd

Tim Atkin, MW

92

"Patatsblanc originates from a vineyard at 800 metres on Karoo slate in the isolated Keisie Valley and is an unusual, separately fermented cuvée of Colombard and 40% Chenin Blanc. Aniseed, fynbos and wet stone aromas segue into a focused, textured, waxy palate with a lovely savoury finish. Back at the peak of its powers. 2022-28"

- Tim Atkin, MW
Select a wine

Producer


Saga Vineyards

Region


Montagu

Country


South Africa

Have a question or want to drop a line?

Contact Us