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www.buyersandcellars.ca Cellar Profile
Established in 1898, Springfield winery is one of the pioneers of the Robertson Valley. This family-run farm is owned by seventh-generation farmers and ninth-generation settlers to the region. The vineyards sit on some of the most inhospitable areas for growing, many with as much as 70% quartz content in the soil. There are also vineyards with high levels of limestone, as well as those closer to the Breede River that are sandy loam. Over the years, they have adjusted plantings and cultivars to best utilize these soils and have realigned the vineyards, planting the rows east-west so the canopy protects the berries from the scorching daytime sun. In the cellar, a gravity flow system is used to avoid over-handling the fruit, which is whole-cluster pressed. Most of their wines are fermented using natural wild yeasts found on the grape skins and are bottled unfined and unfiltered, with the belief that filtering strips key elements from the finished product. Springfield wines are known for their balance, elegance and, particularly, minerality. Current 4th generation winemaker and viticulturist, Abrie Bruwer says: “I only want to sell wines I am proud of”. At Buyers + Cellars, we agree wholeheartedly!
Region
The Robertson Valley wine region is locally known as the Valley of Wine and Roses. Famous for both red and white wines, the valley benefits from the cooling effects of the Beede River running through it. The large diurnal shift, which allows the grapes to cool at night, results in wines with crisp acidity and bold flavours.
Vineyard
Life from Stone derives its name from the incredibly rocky soils in which it is grown. Every year the vineyard battles against nature in order to produce highly concentrated, powerful wines with a flinty, mineral character true to the quartz rock in which it is grown.
Varieties
Grown around the globe, Sauvignon Blanc is an enjoyable, refreshing dry white wine. Its characteristics vary greatly based on the climate in which it is produced. South Africa Sauvignon Blanc typically combines herbaceous and rich fruit notes. Up to 10% of the country’s total plantings are of this balanced and approachable grape.
Winemaking
21 days alcoholic fermentation. 100 days on primary lees. All racking done under CO2. Stabilized at -3ºC for 2-3 weeks. 80g/hl Bentonite fining.
Tasting Notes
This Sauvignon Blanc from the increasingly stylish Robertson region of South Africa is loaded with character and charm. Hot, bright days, cool fresh nights and quartz-dominant soils combine to make an intense, powerful wine with Loire-like flinty minerality alongside beautiful, rich, Sauvignon fruit; lime, gooseberry and passion fruit. Always held in high regard, Springfield’s Life from Stone exemplifies South Africa’s New/Old World juxtaposition in a most delicious way.