Lubanzi Sauvignon Blanc, Swartland, South Africa

Lubanzi Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant, thoughtfully crafted white wine from South Africa's Coastal Region, made from grapes grown in shale-rich soils just south of the Swartland. The 2024 vintage brings together 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Colombard, with the latter undergoing 30 days of skin contact to introduce an intriguing dimension of texture and savoury complexity. Handpicked and carefully sorted grapes are whole-bunch pressed and naturally fermented, preserving the wine's expressive fruit character and freshness. Fragrant aromas of granadilla, elderflower and ripe pear lead to lively flavours of pineapple, passion fruit and lime, complemented by a delicate saline quality and herbal notes reminiscent of indigenous spekboom. At 12.5% ABV, this distinctive blend combines tropical fruit generosity with refreshing acidity and a subtly textured finish, reflecting Lubanzi's collaborative approach to contemporary South African winemaking.

Product Details:

• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Blend Composition: 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Colombard
• Total Acidity: 6.0 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 2.8 g/L
• Vineyard Soils: Shale and decomposed granite
• Vineyard Management: Dry-farmed, unirrigated bush vines, according to producer specifications
• Harvesting: Handpicked and sorted in January and February 2024
• Skin Contact: Colombard macerated on its skins for 30 days
• Pressing: Whole-bunch pressing
• Fermentation: Natural fermentation
• Founders: Charlie Brain and Walker Brown
• Winemaking Collaborators: Trizanne Barnard and Bruce Jack

Sensory Description:

Lubanzi Sauvignon Blanc displays a bright pale-straw colour with delicate green reflections, capturing the freshness and youthful vitality of the 2024 vintage. The bouquet is expressive and beautifully defined, opening with fragrant granadilla, elderflower and ripe pear, complemented by subtle citrus and tropical fruit nuances. As the wine develops in the glass, additional notes of fresh pineapple, passion fruit and lime emerge, accompanied by a delicate herbal quality reminiscent of spekboom, a succulent indigenous to South Africa. The palate is lively and refreshingly textured, revealing juicy tropical fruit flavours supported by crisp acidity and an appealing sense of balance. The inclusion of skin-contact Colombard lends additional depth to the mid-palate, introducing a subtle savoury character that contrasts elegantly with the wine's generous fruit. Gentle saline nuances provide definition, while hints of fresh herbs and citrus peel contribute aromatic complexity. The finish is clean, persistent and invigorating, with lingering passion fruit, lime zest and a delicate mineral impression. Bright yet intricate, this distinctive white combines the aromatic energy of Sauvignon Blanc with the textural interest and savoury freshness of carefully handled Colombard.

Awards & Accolades:

• 88 Points: Wine Enthusiast, Jesica Vargas, November 2025, 2024 vintage

Winemaker’s Background:

Lubanzi Wines was established in Cape Town in 2016 by Charlie Brain and Walker Brown, two American travellers inspired by South Africa's landscapes, communities and winemaking culture. The brand takes its name from a wandering dog that accompanied them on a six-day, 100-mile hiking journey along the country's Wild Coast. Developed as a collaborative wine project, Lubanzi works with South African winemakers Trizanne Barnard and Bruce Jack, with Barnard playing a particularly hands-on role in production. The company combines thoughtful grape sourcing and natural fermentation with a commitment to social responsibility, supporting The Pebbles Project, which provides education and healthcare resources to families living and working on South African wine farms.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve Lubanzi Sauvignon Blanc well chilled, ideally between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius, in a medium-sized white wine glass to showcase its expressive tropical fruit aromas, delicate floral character and refreshing acidity. Its lively citrus notes and subtle saline edge make it an excellent companion to grilled prawns, fresh oysters, steamed mussels and lightly seared white fish. For Japanese-inspired dishes, consider sweet prawn nigiri, octopus nigiri or delicate sashimi, where the wine's freshness complements the natural sweetness and savoury character of seafood. It also pairs beautifully with pasta tossed in fresh basil pesto, grilled courgettes, asparagus and Mediterranean vegetable salads. Its aromatic intensity makes it particularly appealing alongside goat's cheese, feta and Crottin de Chavignol, while the textured mid-palate can accommodate dishes featuring avocado, fresh herbs and citrus-based dressings. For more adventurous pairings, try Thai-inspired seafood, lightly spiced chicken or aromatic vegetable dishes with coriander and lime. Enjoy young to appreciate its vibrant fruit expression, refreshing acidity, and distinctive herbal complexity.