This wine is pale lemon in colour with youthful highlights. It has intense aromas of ripe fig, passion fruit and ruby grapefruit, with notes of lime sorbet. Vivid citrus and tropical fruit flavours are layered with a zesty acidity that contributes to the wine’s refreshing finish.

The Fairview estate is one of the oldest properties in South Africa, with vines first planted in 1699. It is situated approximately 50 kilometres from Cape Town, on the lower slopes of Paarl Mountain and was bought by Charles Back’s grandfather in 1937. The estate was subsequently run by his father, Cyril, before Charles took charge. Under Charles’ guidance, Fairview has been driven by an ethical philosophy based on social commitment, sustainability and conservation.

The estate has a committee comprised of elected farm workers, who ensure equal opportunities by investing in education and training for the workers. In addition, they fund a company which allows the farm workers to make their own wine, lending them the use of Fairview’s winemaking facilities. While all its production is now certified as Fairtrade, Charles doesn’t advertise this as he wants to sell his wines on their quality. The excitement engendered by Fairview was recognised in 2014 when Charles was given the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by the International Wine Challenge. Though slightly alarmed to receive this award at just 58, Charles was happy to join the likes of Hugh Johnson, Peter Lehmann and Michael Broadbent as a recipient of such a prestigious award.

Fairview is a true pioneer of the region, credited with bringing Mediterranean varieties to the Cape. The wines continue to evolve in style under winemaker Anthony de Jager. By making minor improvements in the vineyard, such as opening the canopies to allow more sunlight on the grapes, Anthony is getting full ripeness at an earlier stage.

Sauvignon Blanc (100%)

Coastal