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Region: South Africa - Western Cape - Robertson
Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc
Alcohol: 13%
Notes on the Wine
Yellow-green color. The nose is complex with passion fruit, grapefruit and ripe fig aromas. The palate is fruity with a zesty acidity.
Notes on the Producer
The picturesque Robertson Valley is nestled in the shadow of the majestic Langeberg mountains, close to the Breede (“Broad”) River. In addition to fine wine, the area is recognized for roses and horse breeding. It was here that the De Wet family purchased a large tract of land in 1859, subsequently channeling the river and planting the region’s first vineyards. In 1870, the land was divided among the founder’s three sons, and the youngest named his portion “Excelsior.” Today the estate is owned by Freddie and Peter de Wet, the fourth and fifth generation of De Wets to farm the property.
Robertson’s limestone-rich calcareous clay soils, ideal for quality wine production, possess excellent water retention properties. Excelsior boasts over 495 acres planted to noble grape varietals, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz. One of the most visible South African brands in the US marketplace, Excelsior has established a winning track record of quality and value. As Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate recently noted, “Excelsior…represents another of those South African instances where one wonders how the wines can possibly be well-made, distinctivelypackaged, exported to the States, and still sell for a mere ten dollars.” Crafted in a ripe, juicy style and packaged under screwcap, the wines have garnered consistent “Best Buy” accolades.
It is the philosophy at Excelsior that good wine is made in the vineyards. The De Wets have always embraced innovation and technology, and Excelsior was the first wine estate in South Africa to install drip irrigation. Careful regulation of irrigation and rigorous canopy management are key aspects of their vineyard management program. Winemaker Johan Stemmet, who earned a degree in Cellar Technology at Elsenberg Agricultural College, has been crafting the wines of Excelsior since 2003.