In celebration of Sauvignon Blanc month, we caught up with Thys Louw, the owner of Diemersdal Estate and the vice-chairperson of the Sauvignon Blanc Association.
May is International Sauvignon Blanc Month (Sauvignon Blanc Day is celebrated annually on the 3rd); as a top Sauvignon Blanc producer, how did you celebrate the day?
In celebration of International Sauvignon Blanc Day, we indulge in grilled Portuguese sardines (made on the braai) and South African roosterkoek, paired with Diemersdal and a few international Sauvignon Blancs.
As the Vice-Chairperson of the Sauvignon Blanc Association, how is the association approaching sharing new advances for Sauvignon Blanc with producer members?
The association hosts the annual Sauvignon Blanc competition, assists with international competition entry consolidation, conducts research, and hosts technical days and events for members.
Sauvignon Blanc is the cultivar with the highest volume sales (16 million litres) in South Africa and our top export varietal. What do you predict the future holds for South African Sauvignon Blanc?
Sauvignon Blanc will always be very popular since South Africans love fruity wines. I also think we may see more styles in the future.
Diemersdal produces a variety of Sauvignon Blancs. Please tell us more about your range and your decision to focus on this cultivar.
We produce ten different Sauvignon Blancs in various styles at various price points, all market driven. We strive to stay at the forefront of Sauvignon Blanc’s development.
Our Diemersdal The Journal Sauvignon Blanc 2022 received Platinum status with 97 points in the recent Decanter World Wine Awards.
How do you approach the production of Sauvignon Blanc at Diemersdal in keeping with your principles of science, research and innovation blended with tradition?
Our main focus is in the vineyard, where we put a lot of care and attention into it. We also have Carien Coetzee helping us with our internal research.
Lastly, we all know Sauvignon Blanc is not just for summer sipping. What is your favourite winter meal to pair with Sauvignon Blanc?
A delicious Cape Malay curry with a wooded Sauvignon Blanc is perfect for winter.
