Vondeling Rurale 2018

The Rurale 2018, the “pét-nat” from Voor-Paardeberg property Vondeling, has just been released and shows more sophistication than its predecessors. Consisting of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinotage, spontaneous fermentation was begun in tank before the fermenting wine was bottled and capped with a small amount of sugar remaining to create a bubble, this being the so-called Méthode Ancestralé.

Maturation lasted three years before disgorgement, topping done with the 2013 vintage of the top-end white blend known as Babiana. The nose shows a touch of flinty reduction before peach, red apple and some biscuit-like complexity while the palate is relatively rich and full with a creamy mousse. Price: R295 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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