Iona, Sophie Te'Blanche Sauvignon Blanc, Elgin, South Africa, 2024

Producer Profile

At 420m above sea level, set high above the picturesque Elgin Valley overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Andrew Gunn founded Iona among some of the coolest vineyards in the Cape.

In a country where cool-climate vineyards are like gold dust, these vineyards are veritable nuggets. The growing season is extremely long, harvesting up to 2 months after Stellenbosch, which allows Andrew to create wines with complex flavours and a fresh, elegant style. The viticultural approach is emphatically hands-off: the land is farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles, with particular focus on ensuring the health of the soil, and pests are kept under control by the resident flock of geese that roam the vineyards.

Viticulture

Grapes are sourced from 6 dedicated growers in the Elgin, Botriver, Walker Bay and Villiersdorp area. Unifying three of the Cape's most noteworthy coastal regions, our winemaker has selected each vineyards for its unique flavours, textures and aromas. Soils on the different sites range from decomposed sandstone to decomposed Bokkeveld Shale with underlying clay layers of varying depths. Variety of aspects, soils, clones and row directions makes it possible to grow Sauvignon grapes expressing its origin, with each vineyard adding different characteristics to the final blend.

Winemaking

Grapes were hand harvested at optimal ripeness during the season. Grapes are crushed and pressed immediately. Juice was settled overnight before being inoculated with a variety of selected yeast. After fermentation, wines are racked and spend 4 months on the fine lees before blending and bottling.

Tasting Note

Vibrant pure fruit of cut green apples, zesty limes, goosberries and tropical notes with white flowers and subtle mineral undertones. Sophie is fresh crisp, balanced, accessible, playful and delicious! Sophie te'Blanche, a nickname given by those including their workers, who can't pronounce Sauvignon Blanc, is the inspiration behind this much loved wine, produced from grapes grown by dedicated farmers in Elgin and the Cape South Coast.

Food Matching

Asparagus, fish with hollandais sauce. Thai Food.