Vondeling Babiana 2018

Description

The wine has a pale yellow colour with a bright green hue. The nose gives great tension and poise, brimming with roasted almonds, sweet cashews, Turkish delight, lime zest, apricot and orange marmalade, wild honey and pineapple. A fresh, vibrant and textured palate offers weighted density and length. Layers of rolled oats, white pepper, floral jasmine, mint, ginger and creamy lemon meringue are aptly supported by subtle and reserved oak presence. Babiana is a complex wine suitable for many an evening dish. Enjoy with chicken tagine with apricots and roasted almonds or aromatic Asian dishes.

Awards

Gold Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits

93 pts Tim Atkin

Certificates

Vinification

All grapes are hand-picked at optimum ripeness and refrigerated for 24 hours. The Chenin Blanc is whole bunch-pressed and no sulphur is 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 for 10 months on the lees before being racked, blended and bottled.

Viticulture

Babiana is made predominantly from old Chenin Blanc vines planted in 1986. Its age and low yield ensure consistent quality and concentration, which forms the backbone of this blend. The fullness of the Chenin Blanc is tempered by the verve and high aromatics of the Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne.

Food Pairing

A complex wine suitable to many an evening dish. Enjoy with rabbit in white wine sauce and shallots. Simple, aromatic Asian dishes or rich seafood.