The Sugarbush Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc originates from a special single vineyard site, carefully selected for its specific terroir, benefitting from fine kaolin clay soils and an elevated position on the southeast-facing slopes of Ben Lomond. This vineyard is among the highest on the farm, where it benefits from the cooling summer winds that sweep inland from the sea. The combination of altitude, cooling breezes and ideal soils creates the environment for growing Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are as vibrant as the landscape that surrounds them.
Yet, the story of Sugarbush Sauvignon Blanc is not just about the grapes; it’s also about the incredible biodiversity of the region. The vineyards of Lomond are nestled within the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its extraordinary array of indigenous flora, collectively known as Fynbos. One of the most remarkable species found here is the Protea obtusifolia, also known as the Limestone Sugarbush—a vulnerable plant endemic to the Agulhas region.
In the fire-prone landscapes of the Cape Floral Kingdom, survival is no easy feat. Yet, the Limestone Sugarbush has evolved an extraordinary strategy to thrive in this harsh environment. Through a process known as serotiny, the Sugarbush stores its seeds on the plant for years, releasing them only when conditions are ideal.
After a wildfire sweeps through the area, often killing the adult plants, the heat triggers the seed pods to open, releasing the seeds onto the nutrient-rich ash that covers the soil. But it’s not just fire that prompts regeneration—temperature plays a crucial role, too. The seeds of the Limestone Sugarbush are adapted to germinate only when nighttime temperatures drop below 10°C, a cue that coincides with the region’s wet winter season.
This clever adaptation ensures that the seeds sprout in the cool, damp conditions of winter, giving them the best possible chance to grow and flourish. It’s a perfect example of nature’s resilience and timing, with the Limestone Sugarbush demonstrating how to thrive in a challenging, fire-prone ecosystem.
The story of the Limestone Sugarbush is deeply intertwined with the vineyard that bears its name, reflecting the rich biodiversity and ecological heritage of the region. The vineyard’s location, surrounded by indigenous Fynbos, makes this wine truly special.
For wine lovers, enjoying a glass of Sugarbush Sauvignon Blanc is more than just savoring a crisp, refreshing wine; it’s a way to connect with the landscape and the remarkable species that call it home. Each sip tells the story of the vineyard’s terroir, the surrounding Fynbos, and the resilient Limestone Sugarbush that thrives against the odds.
Our Sugarbush Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023 has just won a Top Ten Sauvignon Blanc SA award.
You can purchase on the link below:
https://lomond.co.za/product/sugarbush-single-vineyard-sauvignon-blanc-2023/
Enjoy!