Waterkloof Peacock Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2021

I recently presented a tasting where we compared different yeasts and fermentation methods on Sauvignon Blanc. I was surprised to see how much the people enjoyed the wild ferment Sauvignon Blancs because a large group of people prefer the fresh, grassy smell and taste of Sauvignon Blanc - something that is toned down a little bit with most wild ferments.

Given the above, I was excited to try the Peacock Wild Ferment Sauvignon Blanc that our friends brought when they came over for dinner. They got it in a mixed case that they bought online. After a bottle of sparkling wine, this was our first white wine for the evening. It was well refrigerated so we opened it right away and I poured a taster for my friend.

My friend's first reaction was clearly one of surprise. The palate is slightly different from the aromatic smell of green apples and asparagus. The palate is well balanced with prominent notes of asparagus, yeast and minerality. A long lasting aftertaste of dill and rosemary, almost medicinal, finish off this wine.

This Sauvignon Blanc is unfortunately not my favourite but I am curious to do a vertical tasting of these or try it with a food pairing.

Producer: Waterkloof

Variety: Sauvignon Blanc 100%

Vintage: 2021

Area: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Winemaker: Nadia Barnard

Closure: Screwcap

Alcohol: 12,5%

RS: 1.2g/l

Average price: R80