2023 Brunia Sauvignon Blanc, Sondagskloof, Walker Bay, South Africa

ABOUT THE WINE

Hailing from Brunia’s windswept estate in Sondagskloof—South Africa’s coolest winegrowing region—the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is a study in terroir transparency. The vines grow on shale-derived soils just 20 km from the Atlantic Ocean, where persistent sea breezes and cool temperatures slow ripening and retain striking natural acidity. Aromatically restrained yet detailed, the wine offers notes of green pear, lemon verbena, sea spray, and crushed herbs.

Grapes were harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, then gently pressed to preserve aromatic purity. Fermentation was spontaneous, using native yeasts, and carried out in a mix of neutral 500L French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. A portion of the wine was left on fine lees for six months to build texture and mouthfeel without overt weight or oak influence. Bottled unfined and lightly filtered with minimal sulfur.

The 2023 vintage enjoyed a long, slow ripening season with cool nights, allowing for layered flavor development and vibrant acidity. This is a versatile, food-driven Sauvignon Blanc—ideal with West Coast oysters, goat cheese tart, or herb-marinated grilled fish.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Brunia Wines is a boutique, family-owned estate in Sondagskloof, a cool-climate subregion of Walker Bay increasingly recognized for its unique soils and maritime influence. Named after a native fynbos species, Brunia reflects the Smit family’s commitment to environmental stewardship, regenerative farming, and site-expressive winemaking.

The vineyards are farmed sustainably and organically in practice, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity and maintaining the surrounding fynbos ecosystems. The soils—primarily weathered shale and clay—and the proximity to the icy Atlantic create wines with natural tension, modest alcohol, and a distinctive mineral core.

Brunia’s minimalist cellar approach centers on wild ferments, neutral aging vessels, and low-intervention techniques to let each site speak clearly. Their Sauvignon Blanc captures the unique energy of Sondagskloof: saline, structured, and quietly compelling.