This year the new vintage release of La Motte’s acclaimed Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc is accompanied by an early recognition of its exceptional elegance and quality. Being acknowledged as one of the FNB Top Ten Sauvignon Blancs in the country for 2026 was the gift Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche treasured the most, when the results were announced on his birthday, 14 October. This recognition follows hot on the heels of the Double Gold medal the wine received at the Veritas Wine Awards that was recently announced as well as being under the Top 100 wines of the National Wine Challenge, while also receiving a Double Platinum award.
The 2025 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of 91% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Semillon. The grapes are sourced from Elim, within the Cape South Coast region, home to some of the southernmost vineyards in Africa. The Semillon used in the blend is the wine that won the General Smuts Trophy for the National Champion South African Young Wine in 2025. (Read more)
As La Motte’s premium Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is a highlight for anyone who enjoys the sophistication and style of a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc. The season was preceded by a particularly wet winter, with record rainfall recorded in July 2024. Following a relatively late and even budburst, there was some initial disease pressure, which subsided due to the dry conditions that followed throughout the rest of the summer. Apart from a warm period in late December, the summer remained moderate, with cool night temperatures that were ideal for flavour development. While ripening in the Western Cape was slightly later than average, the Elim region experienced earlier ripening, likely due to warm and dry conditions during the latter part of the growing season.
The vineyards grow predominantly in a complex soil structure originating from shale with a topsoil of gravel and layers of clay and coffee stone. Cool conditions maintain naturally low vigour, resulting in yields of approximately 6 tons per hectare, which is typical for the region.
Grapes were harvested at 21–23° Balling. Skin contact of approximately 16 hours was allowed for the Semillon and fermentation took place at around 16°C. The Semillon (9%) and 15% of the Sauvignon Blanc were fermented and matured in second-fill French oak barrels for six months on the fine lees. The wine was blended and bottled in October 2025.
The wine displays classic cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc aromas of citrus, granadilla, and green pepper, with a lingering minerality. While refreshing, the Semillon contributes added complexity, while partial oak maturation enhances the wine’s full, textured mouthfeel.
A refined aperitif, the 2025 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc pairs seamlessly with seafood and loves the crispness of salads. With its mineral undertone it makes for an excellent partner to flavours notoriously difficult to pair such as tomatoes (especially sundried tomatoes) and spicy Chinese or Thai cuisine.
As a tribute to South African artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef (1886 – 1957), the Pierneef Collection of wines celebrates Pierneef’s skill in portraying the beauty of South African landscapes and architecture. The classic label of the Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc features a Pierneef linocut in black and white, entitled Baobab.
