Savage Wines ‘Savage White’

Savage White: Sauvignon Blanc with texture, tension and a savoury edge

Savage White is a brilliant example of just how serious Sauvignon Blanc can be. Blended with Semillon, this is far removed from a simple, overtly fruity style, combining bright citrus and aromatic freshness with texture, subtle spice and a wonderfully saline finish. There is plenty going on here, but everything feels beautifully controlled, making it a compelling white for anyone who enjoys freshness with a little more depth.

Savage Wines is the personal project of Duncan Savage, one of the leading names in modern South African wine. After building his reputation at Cape Point Vineyards, Duncan started producing wines under his own name in 2011, drawing on his experience working with maritime and higher-altitude vineyards. Today the wines are made at his winery in Salt River, Cape Town, with freshness, restraint and a strong sense of place running throughout the range.

Savage White brings together Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon from carefully selected Western Cape vineyard sites planted on a mixture of sandstone and granite soils. The combination works beautifully. Sauvignon Blanc provides freshness, citrus and aromatic lift, while Semillon adds breadth and texture. The winemaking is designed to build complexity without losing the energy that makes the wine so distinctive.

In the glass, there is a lovely mix of white flowers, pear, grapefruit and blackcurrant leaf, followed by subtle wood spice and a lightly flinty character. The palate is dry and beautifully textured, with a silky feel balanced by taut acidity and a savoury, almost umami-like salinity. Citrus and orchard fruit run through the middle, while the finish is long, precise and mineral. It is already hugely enjoyable but has the structure and concentration to develop further with time in bottle.

Savage White Food Pairing Suggestion:

This is a fantastic white to put on the table with food. Try it with grilled prawns, roast sea bass or crab, where its citrus and saline character will feel completely at home. Its extra texture also makes it brilliant with roast chicken with lemon and herbs, a creamy seafood risotto or mildly spiced coconut curries. For something a little different, try it with miso-glazed aubergine, where the wine’s savoury side really comes into its own.

About Savage White:

• A dry white blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
• Produced by Duncan Savage in South Africa’s Western Cape.
• Fruit is sourced from selected vineyard sites on sandstone and granite soils.
• A textured, fresh and savoury style with excellent ageing potential.