Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon, Margaret River

Description

Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon is probably one of the best known white wines from the Margaret River in Western Australia and was one of the original wineries of the Margaret River wine region.

Cape Mentelle was founded in 1970 in one of the most remote wine regions of the world, the maritime influence of the Indian Ocean ensures even temperatures, providing consistently excellent vintage conditions. Cape Mentelle today has over 200 hectares of its own vines across four regional vineyards. Contract-grown fruit is also sourced, with great care taken to build a relationship with growers to reflect regional character. Cape Mentelle takes a minimal approach towards this classic Margaret River blend. The aim is to preserve as much fruit intensity and regional character as possible, whilst providing a full flavoured distinctive white wine. The style accentuates the fresh fruit characters of both varieties with the added complexity and palate weight offered by a small portion of barrel fermentation.

Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc / Semillon is made using fruit sourced mainly from the cooler southern half of the region from the three vineyards of Wallcliffe, Crossroads and Chapman Brook.  The 2017 blend is a blend of 61% Sauvignon Blanc and 39% Semillon.  The typical soils of these vineyards are geologically ancient, free draining sandy loams with a high percentage of lateritic gravel. The vines are vertically trained, spur or cane-pruned with canopy manicuring to allow good air flow and dappled sunlight on the fruit. Vinification is principally in stainless steel with 2% fermented in a combination of new and seasoned French oak barriques. The wine is left to age on the lees for a further 3 months prior to bottling.