Le Lude Madàme Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2016

Vintage Cap Classique | 100% Chardonnay | 95 Points – Tim Atkin MW

Overview

The Le Lude Madàme Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Millésime 2016 is one of Le Lude’s prestige Cap Classiques and a serious expression of just how far South African traditional-method sparkling wine has come. Produced exclusively from 100% Chardonnay from the 2016 vintage, Madàme is made only from the finest first pressing and undergoes exceptionally long maturation before release.

Fruit is sourced from selected vineyards in Franschhoek and Robertson, with each component handled separately to preserve its individual terroir. Only the delicate first juice from pressing is selected for Madàme, with fermentation taking place predominantly in stainless steel alongside a small proportion in seasoned French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation is deliberately prevented, retaining the striking acidity and linear structure required for extended bottle ageing.

The defining feature, however, is time. The wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle followed by extraordinarily long lees maturation – the current technical information lists 90 months sur latte, with Le Lude describing Madàme as spending a minimum of around nine years undisturbed in its underground cellars depending on release timing.

The result is an exceptionally refined Blanc de Blancs balancing youthful citrus and mineral freshness with the almond, brioche and textural complexity created by extended lees ageing.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Bright pale gold with an exceptionally fine, persistent mousse.

Nose: Precise and elegant, opening with fresh nartjie and lemon, followed by delicate white fruit and citrus blossom. Extended lees ageing introduces sophisticated notes of almond and subtle brioche, adding depth without overwhelming the purity of the Chardonnay.

Palate: Elegant and light on entry, with vibrant citrus fruit and tightly focused acidity. The palate gradually builds in richness and texture, revealing almond, delicate pastry and mineral nuances alongside an exceptionally fine mousse.

Finish: Long, intense and beautifully precise, with persistent citrus freshness, fine minerality and subtle lees-derived complexity.

Awards & Accolades

The 2016 Madàme has received outstanding critical recognition, making its accolades well worth highlighting on the product page:

• 95 Points – Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Special Report 2025
• Tim Atkin's 95-point rating marked the second consecutive year that a Madàme release achieved 95 points.
  

Technical Details

• Producer: Le Lude
• Cuvée: Madàme
• Vintage: 2016
• Classification: Blanc de Blancs
• Style: Brut Nature Vintage Cap Classique
• Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Fruit Origin: Franschhoek & Robertson, Western Cape
• Harvesting: Hand harvested
• Pressing: Gentle pressing; only first juice selected
• Primary Fermentation: Predominantly stainless steel with a small component in 3rd- and 4th-fill French oak
• Malolactic Fermentation: Prevented
• Secondary Fermentation: In bottle
• Lees Maturation: 90 months listed for this release
• Alcohol: 11.69% ABV
• Residual Sugar: 2.6 g/L
• Total Acidity: 9.29 g/L
• pH: 3.03
• Bottle Size: 750ml