Iona Sauvignon Blanc, 2008, Elgin, South Africa

Iona Sauvignon Blanc, 2008, Elgin, South Africa »

Andrew Barrow

29 Mar

sauvignon blanc, South African wine, Waitrose

To reach Elgin take the N2 from Cape Town and keep going through the wine lands of Stellenbosch. Compared to the rash of vineyards covering the valleys and hills of Stellenbosch and Franschoek, Elgin has little more than a handful of wineries (with Paul Cluver being perhaps the most well known) in this traditionally apple-growing region. Iona stands alone in the south of Elgin and sadly wasn’t on the itinerary of my recent trip.

While flicking through the Reuben’s Cooks recipe book a mention of the Iona Sauvignon as an ideal accompaniment to one of the salad dishes – and by the fact that the wine is readily available at Waitrose – led to its purchase.
The salad, (Avocado Salad With Toasted Pine Nuts, Rocket, Parmesan and Balsamic Syrup) a superb starter or with added bread a lighter lunch, is simplicity to prepare. Using the freshest and highest quality ingredients of course, the dish was a most joyous match – about as perfect as you could wish – even if the use of rocket was usurped by pea shoots.

Review0.3
Wine Tasting Note: Iona Sauvignon Blanc, 2008, Elgin, South Africa.
Stockist: Waitrose SAWinesOnline Price: £9.99 [More: Adegga / Snooth]
A super example of a classy, restrained, refined, Sauvignon Blanc. An edge of fig and peach stones lifts the complex mineral-led palate. Lovely balance- crisply done on the finish married with a weighty feel and nice – not overly assertive – acidity. Alcohol 13.5%.

Andrew BarrowScribblings Rating – 92/100 [4 out of 5]

1 Comment »

Dylan says:

29/03/2009 at 9:27 pm

If it isn’t something about wine, I can usually count on learning something new for the culinary lexicon. I had never heard of rocket leaves before today, but after some quick googling discovered they are what I call arugula. To be honest I prefer your terminology over arugula, it’s more inherent to the kick the leaves provide.

Reply

Leave a Comment »

Orange Wine in the Vineyard

I’ve abandoned the usual Sunday morning croissant and a listen to the Archers omnibus today. Instead I’m heading to that London and the RAW Fair (openRead More

13
May

Wine Tasting Slovenian Style

The wines of Miha Batic a natural wine producer in Slovenia; photos and tasting notes taken while sampling the wines in the vineyard.

12
May

Tuscan Vineyard

Two European trips in quick succession – Slovenia followed by Tuscany. Never been to either before. Both were rapidly-scheduled press trips but they did yield quiteRead More

8
May

Wine Tasting Tuscan Style

Opening with the ‘basic’ wines he was almost apologetic at their simplicity. Personally I found them a delight; no idea of price at the time (the top of the range comes in at a very reasonable €20 cellar door) but to a bottle these ‘lesser’ wines were lovely, offering a balanced richness, a true regional acidic streak in the RI.VA.LE Chianti and a touch riper, softer palate to the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

5
May

Spittoon: We Spit So You Can Swallow