The iconic Cavalli ‘Cremello’ has long been recognised as a frontrunner in South Africa’s white blend category and consistently ranked in the top 10 white blends in South Africa.
Working with white cultivars that clearly excelled on the farm, (Its worth noting that Cavalli’s maiden vintage Chenin blanc was first out the gates as a multiple award winning white wine after which the Chardonnay’s maiden vintage followed suit with a Double Gold Veritas), Head Winemaker Rianie Strydom sought to elevate the third unsung hero of the farm; Verdelho.
Blessed with a terroir that naturally lends itself to producing vibrant white wines characterised by a bright acidity and a complex array of tropical notes, Cavalli’s hidden gem is a 20 year old decomposed granite block of Verdelho, about 250 m above sea level, and the second oldest Verdelho vineyard in South Africa.
In working with elevating each white varietal in the cellar, Rianie and Assistant Winemaker Eric Frieslaar set out to highlight the unique characteristics that the Verdelho component, in particular, brought to the style and character of Cavalli’s white blend.
It therefore comes with great excitement that they introduce the Cavalli Reserve White, a blend that pays homage to both the Helderberg region and the distinctive terroir of Cavalli Estate.
- Comprising 60% Chenin Blanc, 30% Verdelho, 6% Chardonnay, and 4 % Viognier; Crafted in small batches, the wines underwent fermentation in Frenck oak barriques for a period of 6 months with the Verdelho component undergoing wild fermentation, contributing a bright, zesty acidity to the final blend.
The result is the Cavalli Reserve White 2023, an exceptional blend showcasing a symphony of flavours from orange blossom, spice, yellow grapefruit, peach, apricot, and a tropical hint of gooseberry and guava.
