While the thought of an ice-cold glass of Cabernet Sauvignon on a balmy summer’s evening might not be an attractive one to most wine drinkers, perhaps it’s time to reconsider.

Asara is the first estate in South Africa to release a Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc, a white wine made from the robust, earthy red varietal. Encouraging wine lovers to ‘expect the unexpected’, this wine certainly does away with the ordinary. Although it’s made from red grapes, the early removal of the skins from the juice prevents any significant colour extraction. The result is a wine with a light, golden colour, and faint rosy hue.

With a nose that offers a delicate yet prominent floral bouquet, with notes of chopped apples and light citrus aromas, the wine is best enjoyed chilled. The palate is not as dry as a typical Sauvignon Blanc, but neither is it as meaty and robust as a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon. Tropical fruits are prominent, as are the more delicate flavours of peaches. It’s harvested early so the wine maintains a crisp acidity with a smooth, lingering finish. It’s an easy-drinking wine and would go well with creamy seafood pasta dishes or rich, soft cheeses, such as ricotta and mascarpone. It’s wonderful when enjoyed chilled in summer, but its fuller body and richer mouth-feel would also work well as a winter white wine option.

The Asara Wine Estate and Hotel is situated in the picturesque wine valley of Stellenbosch. Renowned for its award-winning wines, Asara’s cellar is located in the old manor house and enjoys a balance between old-world and new-world winemaking styles, evident from the historic, open wooden fermenters and state-of-the-art stainless steel tanks. Francois Joubert, the farm’s 29-year-old winemaker, has championed the use of innovative barrel maturation methods. This allows for the gentler handling of the grapes and results in a more elegant and rewarding result in the glass.

Asara’s Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc 2010 is available from The Wine Bar at the estate for R60 a bottle.  

For more information, please visit Asara Wine Estate's website.