Description
Vondeling 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.
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.
Welcome to the Voor-Paardeberg; a Western Cape wine region that has all the charm of an undiscovered country landscape, yet is easily accessible, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. The Vondeling vineyards run off the South-facing slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain where the decomposed granite soil, along with habitual afternoon South Westerly winds, give their wines a vibrancy in an otherwise warm climate area. The first vintage of Vondeling wines made from their own grapes was in 2005; there are now approximately 100 hectares of vineyard, mostly planted to Mediterranean varietals. The older vineyards, which include Sauvignon Blanc planted in 1983 and Chenin Blanc in 1986, have come into perfect balance over the years and provide some of Vondeling’s most valuable fruit which is turned into wines with a unique ‘fingerprint’ of origin from minimal intervention during the winemaking process.
Food matches: Enjoy with grilled and tempura style fish, aromatic Thai dishes or chicken flambe pasta, possible followed by soft Italian cheeses.
