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(60% Chenin Blanc, 23% Viognier, 11% Grenache Blanc & 6% Roussanne) It is named in honour of Babiana Noctiflora, a rare species of fynbos found only on the Paardeberg Mountain. It has a delicate yellow flower that releases its scent in the evenings to attract a scarce moth for pollination. The Syngrapha Circumflexa of the Noctuidae moth family is also known as an Owlet moth. THE NAME BABIANA Babiana Noctiflora belongs to the Iris family. The name Babiana is derived from the Dutch ‘baviaantje’, meaning 'little baboon', because baboons were seen preferentially eating the corms of these plants. This species has lost its habitat to vineyards and fruit orchards in the past, but at Vondeling we conserve this endangered species VINEYARDS Made predominantly from Chenin blanc, picked from a single block of old vines (planted in 1987). Their age and low yield ensure consistent quality and concentration, which is why it form the backbone of our blend. The fullness of the Chenin is tempered by the verve and high aromatics of the Grenache Blanc, Viognier, and Roussanne. VINIFICATION All grapes are hand-picked at optimum ripeness and refrigerated for 24hrs before being processed. The Chenin is whole bunch press and no Sulphur added to promote wild yeast development. The unsettled juice is then rapidly transferred to barrel for natural fermentation. Although a nerve-racking process, this method lends structure, complexity, and longevity to the wine. The Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Viognier are destemmed and cold fermented for 8 days on the skins before being basket pressed directly to barrel to complete fermentation. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation and is matured 12 months on the lees before being racked, blended, and bottled TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING The wine has a bright yellow colour. It has a smoky and toasty nose with hints of stone fruit. The palate is full and creamy, with well-integrated acidity followed by vanilla on the aftertaste. Well use of oak allows for some subtle toasty notes on the palate. This serious and complex wine pairs well with rabbit in white wine sauce and shallots or simple, aromatic Asian dishes and rich seafood. Drink through 2027 ACCOLADES 2020 Vintage: 2021 Tim Atkin 91 Points 2022 Platter’s Guide – 4.5 Stars (91pts) 2021 Vintage: 2022 Gilbard & Gaillard-Double Gold (92Pts) 2023 Platter's Guide-4.5 Stars (93 pts) Analysis pH 3.34 Total Acidity 5.8 g/l Residual Sugar 3.6 g/l Alcohol 13.28 % Download Tasting Sheet -
(Shiraz 60%, Mourvédre 23%, Carignan 10% & Grenache Noir 7%) Vondeling Monsonia is named after Monsonia Speciosa, a very rare species of fynbos (vegetation type occurring in the Western Cape region of South Africa) found in the Paardeberg mountain, the home of Vondeling wines. THE NAME MONSONIA The flower was named after Lady Anne Monson, the great-grandchild of King Charles II. Controversially, her first marriage was dissolved, due to the birth of an illegitimate child but she soon remarried Colonel George Monson of the Indian Military. She was known as a “remarkable lady botanist” and was instrumental in translating Linnaeus’s famous “Philosophia Botanica”. On her way to Calcutta, she visited the Cape of Good Hope and accompanied seasoned collector of South African plants, Carl Peter Thunberg, on several expeditions around the Cape. In 1774, he named the Monsonia species of plants after her. VINEYARDS The Shiraz vines grow in ancient, well-weathered granite soils on southeast-facing slopes – ideal for our warm South African climate. In total, six clones of Shiraz can be found on the farm and only the best performing clones go into the final blend. Typically, each clone contributes different characteristics to the wine and the different blocks are picked at varying degrees of ripeness, best suited to their character. The Mourvedre, Carignan, and Grenache are best adapted to hot sun and are grown as bush vines on North East-facing slopes. Highly selective hand-picking guarantees that only the best fruit arrives at the winery. VINIFICATION After being chilled overnight, bunches are partially destemmed, but not crushed, and whole berry fermentation takes place in open-top fermentation tanks. An initial two-day period of cold soaking is applied before wild yeast fermentation is allowed to commence. During fermentation, hand plunging, commonly known as "punch downs" is the method of mixing and extraction. After fermentation, the wine is pressed in a traditional boutique-size basket press. All wine is then transferred directly to barrel where malolactic fermentation takes place. Only large format French oak barrels are used, with about one-third new and the rest 2nd and 3rd fill. The wine is allowed to mature for 16 months before a final barrel selection, blending and bottling takes place TASTING NOTES & CELLARING & FOOD PAIRING Vibrant and clear charcoal red with beautifully viscous legs clinging to the glass. Each grape component vies for attention in this kaleidoscopic bouquet. Sweet Lillies and rose-petal Turkish delight from the Grenache. Plush black currant and blueberries from the Carignan. All wrapped in a velvety blanket of red berries and soft spice from the Shiraz. A smooth, velvety palate devoid of harsh or grippy tannin. Red cherry candy and sweet plumb at the fore with a soft plush center and subtle spice with roasted coconut at the end. Well paired with a mature steak, barbequed over a hotbed of coals and served with sauteed baby mushrooms, or try a hearty, slow-cooked pork belly with root vegetables and tomatoes. Accolades 2016 Vinatge:2020 Platter’s Guide – 4.5 Stars 2019 Michelangelo – Gold 2019 Winemag - 93pts
2018 Vintage:2021 Platter’s Guide – 4.5 Stars / 94 Points 2020 Michelangelo - Gold 2022 Tim Atkin 90 Pts 2022 Michelangelo Awards - Gold 2023 Platter’s Guide 4,5 Stars (92 Pts)
2019 Vintage: 2024 Platter’s Guide 4.5 Stars (92 Pts) Analysis pH 3.50 Total Acidity 5.3 g/l Residual Sugar 3.3 g/l Alcohol 13.72 % Download Tasting Sheet
