Vondeling Rurale 2016 Methode Ancestral

Crisp green apple and citrus acidity, baked brioche, buttery and creamy. Full-bodied with a fine mousse and long finish. Produced in by a unique method called Mèthode Ancestrale, pioneered by Vondeling in South Africa. The method used results in a pure fruit expression. Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes this very special and limited bottling (1200 bottles) is far more complex and interesting than the more common Mèthode Cap Classique made in the Western Cape. In fact this is the first of its kind in South Africa.

The intriguing Mèthode Ancestrale process starts with a higher potential alcohol than the more common style. This results in more vibrant Chardonnay and removes the need for adding sugars, allowing the freshness to be kept. Once picked and pressed the natural fermentation starts in tank, when a small amount of sugar is left the wine is bottled and capped. If this process is not accurate the bubbles will not have the required finesse and if too much sugar remains the bottles could explode. This single fermentation method makes Mèthode Ancestrale so unique. The bottled wine is aged on its lees for a minimum of 16 months, then disgorged and topped up with the previous vintage. Vondeling Rurale is therefore unsweetened and unoaked.