How Cool Fermentation Creates That Fresh, Zesty Signature Sauvignon Blanc

Discover how we craft our crisp, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Cool fermentation preserves tropical fruit and citrus aromas for the perfect summer wine.

How Cool Fermentation Creates That Fresh, Zesty Signature Sauvignon Blanc

The Secret Behind the Freshness

There’s a reason the Alvi’s Drift Signature Sauvignon Blanc tastes so crisp, vibrant, and refreshing. It’s all in the way it’s made. Our winemakers use cool fermentation and precise temperature control to protect the delicate fruit aromas and preserve the wine’s natural zing.

The result? A Sauvignon Blanc that bursts with citrus, passionfruit, and cut-grass freshness, perfectly capturing the bright spirit of South African summer, all under R100.

 

Why Temperature Matters in Winemaking

Fermentation is the process by which grape juice is transformed into wine, and controlling this process is crucial.  When fermentation happens at cooler temperatures (10–14 °C), the process is slower and gentler. This helps retain the natural aromatics that define Sauvignon Blanc: tropical fruit, lime zest, and a touch of green fig.

Too much heat, and those flavours evaporate.  Kept cool, they shine – clean, lively, and full of energy.

That’s the heart of the Signature Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp, refreshing character.

 

A Taste That Reflects the Land

Our vineyards in the Breede River Valley benefit from warm days and cool nights, a natural rhythm that mirrors our cellar approach. The balance of sunshine and breeze gives the grapes their tropical intensity and fresh acidity, while limestone-rich soils add a gentle minerality.

From vine to bottle, every decision aims to express that Western Cape freshness in its purest form.

 

Crisp, Zesty, and Made for South African Summers

Our Signature Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect wine for every warm occasion, from light lunches and seafood to salads and sunset picnics. It’s the definition of a refreshing summer wine: bright fruit on the nose, tangy citrus on the palate, and a clean, mouth-watering finish.

Enjoy it well-chilled (around 8–10 °C) to make the most of its crispness and lively aromatics.  Read our guide on how to store wine at home.

 

Crafted for Everyday Enjoyment

While the winemaking is precise, the intention is simple: to craft a world-class Sauvignon Blanc that everyone can enjoy. Like all wines in our Signature Selection, it’s made with the same care as our premium ranges, but priced for everyday moments.

Each glass delivers balance, brightness, and honesty, reminding us that great wine doesn’t need grand occasions; it just needs good company.

 

The Spirit of the Western Cape in a Glass

From its cool-fermented cellar origins to its sun-kissed fruit, the Signature Sauvignon Blanc reflects everything we love about South Africa’s wine culture: freshness, flavour, and friendliness.

It’s a wine that invites you to pause, pour, and savour the season. Crisp, refreshing, and unmistakably Alvi’s Drift.

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