GETTING HER HANDS DIRTY

Vilafonté assistant winemaker Arlene Mains has always loved the Cape winelands. Now she’s on intimate terms with its ancient soils as winemaker for the Seriously Old Dirt project

Since the first vintage in 2012 it has attracted an eager following both in South Africa and in export markets. Fundamentally, the wine sells because it tastes great – juicy berry flavours and a supple mouth feel are what its drinkers have come to expect, along with a complexity woven in by cameo appearances from Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. But consumers also buy into the link with the land, and the fact that the soils in these parts are almost unimaginably old: some date back 1.5 million years.

“Soil is the foundation, the lifeblood and the home of a vineyard,” says Arlene, “and it is this earth that defines the personality, the quality and the taste of the grapes the vineyards are going to give me to make wine from.”

She adds: “No matter how many times one says it or hears it, there is one fundamental: wine is made in the vineyard.

“We are farmers first, and a farmer lives and works with what the soil has to offer. When making Seriously Old Dirt we select vineyards from leading Cape appellations recognised for their ancient geology. Not because it sounds good in the marketing space, but because old soils have a specific weathered structure that ensures the vineyards grow grapes of enticing complexity for structured wines with a discernible and unbridled deliciousness.”

Winemaking must be a mix of both science and artistry. The artistry creates the ideal blend; it balances the expression of the Central Coast to create the optimal aromas, flavours and mouthfeel. It’s just as important as the science that transforms the grapes from our Central Coast vineyards into the Seaglass wine in your glass.

The Central Coast terroir lends itself to fruit-forward wines. Their complexity and intensity is a reflection of the appellation, varietal and vintage. True reflections of the Central Coast, Seaglass wines are well balanced and carefully preserve the varietal characteristics of the fruit.

I am always impressed to see and taste the intense, complex flavours of our Seaglass grapes at harvest.

Certified Sustainability is integral to the Los Alamos Vineyard and Seaglass Wine Co brand. New to the 2022 Seaglass wines is the Certified Sustainable seal on all seven wines in the portfolio. The logo represents our dedication to using resources efficiently, especially when it concerns water, energy and greenhouse gases.

Climate change isn’t yet making it much harder to be a cooler-climate producer in California. But the season seems to be more compressed; we’re seeing more overlap among the varieties’ harvest dates. We take harvest one year at a time here in California.

Which variety do I love the most? To quote a predecessor, “they’re all our children”. That being said, I really enjoy making Sauvignon Blanc. It is an authentic reflection of the Central Coast soil, climate and topography. The Central Coast yields intense, complex wines, capturing the full spectrum of Sauvignon Blanc varietal characteristics.

Seaglass wines are emblematic of the sandy growing conditions of Los Alamos vineyard. The sandy soil and the great drainage it provides allows the fruit to ripen in an otherwise cool, damp climate.

Connecting with our consumers on Seaglass’s Certified Sustainable messaging is an important current and ongoing initiative for us. Our team members have put forth a lot of effort to be environmentally responsible over the last decade. It is satisfying to see the recognition for the work that has been done and continues to be done.

This captures the cool-climate terroir of Central Coast at its best. Stone fruit aromas segue to flavours of green apple and zesty citrus on the palate, framed by a lively, refreshing finish. This clean, unoaked style is elegant and lean; perfect with light pastas, grilled fish or salads.

A quintessential expression of Central Coast cool-climate vines, with its elegant, lightbodied style. Delicate aromas hint at the violets, cranberry and strawberry on the palate. Beautifully balanced with a soft tannin finish; ideal with seared salmon, pork loin or grilled vegetables.

Distinct aromas of black plum, cherry and cola. The palate is rich and complex, with ripe flavours of dark fruit, framed by hints of spicy oak, with a mature tannin finish. Exquisitely balanced with vibrant acidity, it’s great with grilled lamb, pepper-crusted tuna, or red-sauce pasta.