Iona Monopole Elgin Highlands Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Grapes were hand-picked into crates early in the morning to ensure that the grapes stayed cool. Each block is harvested and vinified separately. After gentle pressing, the must was settled, maintaining a temperature of 6 – 8°C. Fermentation occurred at 14-17°C, using different commercial yeast strains particularly suited to Sauvignon Blanc. The wine was kept on the gross lees for 5 months and stirred regularly to enhance the richness of the mid-palate. The 4% Semillon component was fermented naturally in 2nd and 3rd fill 500L French oak barrels to enhance the mid palate weight and to add complexity to the wine. A selection of different Sauvignon Blanc vineyard sites were naturally fermented in 500L French oak barrels. The barrel fermentation component made up 4% of the final blend.