A Super Sauvignon Blanc.
What could be better than a sunny winter barbeque (braai) with new friends? The kids are having a blast running around, all the garden games are out, the tunes are rocking, and the wine is flowing. It’s the kind of day you wish would go on forever. But sadly, all good things must come to an end. After we enjoyed the scrumptious food (loin chops, boerewors, sweet potato bake, and braaibroodjies) we had to say goodbye to our new mates. They left a bottle of wine which I politely tried to give back to them. But they said, “Yeah, nah… keep it. Enjoy it. It’s one of our favourites”.
Yes! Score!
It was a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc stickered with many accolades. I decided to save it for the next day. It would be something to enjoy while lazing on the couch watching the Women’s Soccer World Cup, I thought.
And just like this amazing, surprising, captivating World Cup, the Sidewood Sauvignon Blanc 2022 did not disappoint whatsoever.
Tasting
The nose jumps out of the glass with nettle, grass, and citrus. It’s zippy, eye-popping stuff. It actually made me sit upright. My lazy Sunday couch session was over. The palate continues with more of the same and adds grapefruit, gooseberries, and lemon zest to the picture. It ends with a crisp mouth-puckering finish that takes you into extra time. And then you take another sip, and it feels like your team just scored the winning goal.
Nettle, Grass, Grapefruit, Gooseberries, Passion Fruit, and Lemon Zest
The 2022 vintage in Adelaide Hills was cool and lengthy. The slower ripening period and favourable conditions during harvest make the Sidewood Sauvignon Blanc 2022 very special. Beautifully balanced, with great acidity. It’s a Sauvignon Blanc that’s perfect to enjoy now or possibly mature for another 3-5 years.
Sidewood Estate’s tasting centre is situated in the Adelaide Hills Wine Region just outside of Hahndorf, a beautiful village within 30 minutes of Adelaide.
Vinification
Sourced primarily from one of Australia’s finest Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. Low yields ensure concentration of flavour and acidity. Picked over a two-week period ensuring optimum ripeness. A quick trip to the winery’s cool rooms kept the grapes in tip-top shape and helped to amplify the aromatics and freshness of this remarkable Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes were chilled before gentle pressing and fermentation using only free-run juice. Extended lees contact in stainless tanks added complexity to the wine.1
Enjoy this with a spicy Asian dish, shellfish, or with a camembert-based cheese platter. Or as I did, without any food or friends. The Sidewood Sauvignon Blanc seriously punches above its weight vintage after vintage and is only $22 per bottle. A pleasant surprise that is now definitely one of my favourite Australian Sauvignon Blancs.
(1) Sidewood Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Tasting Notes
