When personalisation is one of the key global consumer trends, you know that the latest fashion is all about unique and customised products and offerings. Are reliability and reputation still important? Luckily in wine, we can combine the uniqueness of each vintage with the reputation of the brand and for La Motte’s stalwart duo of Sauvignon Blanc and Millennium, each new vintage release comes with the reassurance provided by a legacy of quality and consistency.
La Motte is delighted to release the 2023 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc and 2021 La Motte Millennium. Grapes from various wine growing areas in the Cape Winelands were used in the production and Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche is excited about the complexity and excitement this adds to these wines, renowned for their consistent quality and elegance.
For the 2023 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc, grapes were harvested from Stellenbosch (50%), Franschhoek (25%) and the Cape South Coast (25%). An ideal cold and wet winter were followed by a relatively cool summer, all conducive to flavour development. Some heat spikes during harvesting did, however, result in lower acids and higher pH levels, but harvested at between 17° and 23° Balling, the natural acidity was enough to provide a beautiful balance to the fuller fruit flavours. The winemaking process was reductive with cold fermentation at 14°. Complexity was enhanced by leaving the wine on the lees and adding 5% of Franschhoek Semillon to the blend.
A delicate straw colour with a slight green tinge, the 2023 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc offers intense gooseberry and lime on the nose with charming nuances of dried grass. The mouthfeel is supple and vibrant with refreshing lemon and lingering winter melon.
The 2021 vintage of the Bordeaux-inspired La Motte Millennium consists of Merlot (51 %), Cabernet Franc (35%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%) and Petit Verdot (4%), originating from Franschhoek, Paarl and Durbanville. A cold winter with favourable growing conditions and a mild summer without heat spikes, resulted in even bunch and optimum flavour development. Fermentation took place during pump overs and at between 25°C and 30°C. The various components were matured separately in old 300-litre French oak barrels for 12 months, before blending and filtration.
The classic blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon is prominent in some of the world's most iconic wines. In the 2021 La Motte Millennium, some Petit Verdot contributes further complexity of flavour and intensity of colour.
Aromatic blackberries and plums are dominant with nuances of fruit cake and dark toffee providing a subtle sweetness. Well-considered barrel maturation adds hints of cloves as well as charred oak flavours. Medium-full, the 2021 La Motte Millennium offers soft but lively tannins and a lingering berry aftertaste.
2023 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc
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Price: The 2023 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc is available online or at the La Motte Tasting Room at R99 per bottle.
Food notes: Refreshing as a solo glass, the complexity of this vintage also allows the Sauvignon Blanc to be a delightful partner to seafood - from freshly grilled fish to more luxurious crayfish, salads – fresh or with grilled vegetables, Asian cuisine - with its intricate or spicy flavours, as well as its natural partner, goat’s cheese.
Recipe: Try with Ilse van der Merwe’s Herb & olive oil grilled line fish with Greek-style marinated tomato salad
2021 La Motte Millennium
Download wine fact sheet
Price: 2021 La Motte Millennium is available online or at the La Motte Tasting Room at R110 per bottle.
Food notes: The 2021 La Motte Millennium responds very well to red meat and roasts. Its accommodating structure also allows for mild curries and noble cheese. It is exceptional with creamy sauces and the earthiness of mushrooms.
Recipe: Try with Sam Linsell’s recipe for Ostrich Souvlaki.
