Le Lude, a family winery located in the picturesque valley of Franschhoek, South Africa, has built quite a reputation for being one of the finest Cap Classique producers in The World.
We uphold the strictest traditions and standards. At Le Lude, we have a deep respect for tradition, not just for the sake of it, but also to be truly inspired by the lessons we learnt from history.
We demand and create innovation while pursuing perfection as we project ourselves towards the future. We strive to blend a unique style and elegance while paying careful attention to detail.
Nic and Freda Barrow bought the farm in 2009, with the dream of producing the finest Cap Classique. Over the past years they have planted the 6,2ha farm with the classic champagne varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The first harvest took place in 2012, with the maiden La Lude Brut and Rosé released in September 2015.
Unlike any other Cap Classique, both in bottle and in glass; Le Lude is both distinctive and memorable. The black, dense and stylish bottle alludes class and opulence. When poured the wine exhibits elegance and skilled winemaking.
Their newest release and addition to their range of Cap Classiques, is a Brut Nature; Venus. Named Venus after the Godness of beauty, love, allure and perfection. The Venus, Brut Nature Milesime 2014, was so accomplished that she didn’t need dosage, she was already perfect.
A blend of Chardonnay (72%) and Pinot Noir (28%), the grapes are sourced from Bonnievale, Plettenberg Bay and Franschhoek. The grapes are traditionally whole bunch pressed.
The clean juice goes through a cool fermentation. A small fraction of the Chardonnay portion is fermented in 3rd – 4th fill French oak barrels and the large majority is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. No lees contact is given post-fermentation. Malolactic fermentation is avoided. The final blend is made up from various parcels that were kept separate throughout production. This allows for unique terroir characteristics to be expressed during the blend. Tirage takes place on the crown cap to control the rate of gas exchange and ensure optimal ageing. Venus 2014 was degorged a magnificent 70 months after bottling, and only 4000 bottles were produced. It is exclusively available from the cellar door for R680.
My Tasting Notes;
Nuances of salted shortbread, honeysuckle and baked white pear encapsulate you on the nose. The palate delivers crushed almonds, peach and citrus notes with a saline minerality. It’s fresh and dry with a generous palate and a lively acidity in play. The mousse is fine and delicate. It has a complexity and a refined elegance. Venus is most certainly their most remarkable and exquisite release to date.
It is a bottle that will wow your guests over the festive season and is perfect for dry January too!