Vondeling Rurale Blanc de Blanc 2019

Vineyards
Vondeling Rurale, makes use of Chardonnay grapes from a single block, located on a south-west facing slope on the decomposed granite soils of the Paardeberg Mountain. The grapes are harvested ripe, with a potential alcohol of 12% in order to obtain richer fruit expression in the wine, without compromising vibrancy and freshness.

Natural fermentation begins in a stainless steel tank and when only a small, but critical amount of sugar remains, the fermenting wine is bottled and capped. Bottling must take place at the precise moment when there is enough remaining sugar to create a healthy, vibrant mousse, but not so much as to cause the bottles to explode. This single, continuous fermentation, using fruit which is approximately three weeks riper than the base wine used to make Mèthode Cap Classique, is what makes Mèthode Ancestrale unique.

The wine is matured on its lees for at least 16 months before being disgorged. Autolysis of the yeast cells creates further richness and adds palate weight and creaminess in the wine. After being hand riddled over a one month period, it is disgorged and topped using Rurale from the previous vintage, as an alternative to liqueur d’expedition. It is therefore unsweetened and unoaked, allowing for a pure expression of each vintage, with a richness of flavour and fruit not common in traditional methods.

The name Rurale is the original name for what was later recognized by the French A.O.C as Mèthode Ancestrale. We love the implication that this is an uncomplicated, yet pure expression of both the grape and its origins. Rurale is the first Mèthode Ancestrale in SA to be certified by SAWIS and Vondeling was instrumental in drafting its technical description in order for this new category to be recognised.

All grapes are grown and vinified at Vondeling.


AWARDS

Vondeling 'Rurale Methode' Ancestral 2016

2021 Platters Guide 4 Stars

Vondeling ‘Rurale Methode’ Ancestral 2015
Platter's Wine Guide 2019  4 Stars

Vondeling ‘Rurale Methode’ Ancestral 2014
Platter's Wine Guide 2017  4 Stars

Vondeling ‘Rurale Methode’ Ancestral 2013
Platter's Wine Guide 2015&2016  4 Stars,
Tim Atkin SA Report 2015  90 Points,
Janicis Robinson Review 2015  16/20 Points

2021 Platters Guide 4.5 Stars, SA Sparkling Wine 2019 Championships - Top Ten & Double Gold"