2023 Strydom The Freshman Sauvignon Blanc

This vibrant, fresh 100% Sauvignon Blanc comes from Napier/Stellenbosch. This is a fresh, lively style of Sauvignon Blanc. In the glass, the wine has a light straw yellow color with a green tinge. It's wonderfully refreshing, with a good balance between mown grass and tropical notes, with plenty of passion fruit and even floral hints. We also smell Granny Smith. The palate has a soft acidity, full of fruity flavors at the finish. In terms of style, it's certainly comparable to a fine New Zealander, but at a significantly more attractive price.

Strydom was ideally situated. The vineyards have very low yields and are situated in cooler climates, which gives Strydom wines freshness, elegance, and beautiful acidity. The Strydom Freshdom is made by a highly passionate and gifted winemaker, and only around 3,000 bottles of the Freshman were produced.

The grapes were hand-picked in the morning. In the cellar, they were crushed using a nitrogen-filled press to minimize oxidation. The must remained in contact with the skins for six hours before the juice was pressed. Once again, the juice was collected in a container filled with dry ice to protect it from oxygen. The juice was then left to rest for two days at a very low temperature to allow everything to settle gently.

This is a delightful wine and especially delicious with nothing, making it the perfect aperitif. But if you do choose to serve it with a meal, consider serving it with fresh salads, light fish dishes, or young goat cheese.