Le Lude Vintage Cuvée 2016

The Le Lude Vintage Cuvée 2016 is a prestige vintage Cap Classique showcasing Le Lude’s commitment to extended lees ageing, precision and traditional-method sparkling wine production. Crafted from 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir, all from the 2016 vintage, it combines fruit sourced from selected vineyards in Franschhoek and Robertson.

Only the delicate first juice from pressing is used for the Vintage Cuvée. Individual vineyard parcels are fermented separately, predominantly in stainless steel with a small proportion in seasoned French oak. Malolactic fermentation is prevented, preserving the high natural acidity required for exceptionally long bottle maturation.

After secondary fermentation in bottle, the 2016 spent an impressive 90 months – approximately 7½ years – ageing on its lees before being disgorged on 7 March 2025. This prolonged maturation gives the wine its sophisticated brioche, almond and baked-citrus character while retaining remarkable freshness.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Pale golden with youthful green highlights and an exceptionally fine, persistent mousse.

Nose: Complex and refined, opening with fresh citrus blossom and yellow apple, followed by developed notes of baked lemon, poppy-seed muffin and almond biscotti. Extended lees maturation contributes subtle pastry and nutty complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Palate: Elegant and beautifully structured. Bright citrus and yellow apple are joined by kumquat marmalade, while a silky-textured mousse provides richness against the wine’s brilliant natural acidity. A clean mineral character runs throughout the palate.

Finish: Long, linear and dry, with lingering lemon rind, citrus and minerality. The combination of mature lees character and vibrant acidity gives the wine impressive precision and length.

Awards & Accolades

The 2016 Vintage Cuvée has already achieved significant international recognition:

• 93 Points – Decanter World Wine Awards

Technical Details

• Producer: Le Lude
• Cuvée: Vintage Cuvée
• Vintage: 2016
• Style: Vintage Cap Classique
• Blend: 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir
• Origin: Western Cape – Franschhoek & Robertson
• Harvest: Hand-picked
• Pressing: Gentle pressing; only first juice selected
• Primary Fermentation: Stainless steel with a small component in 3rd- and 4th-fill French oak
• Malolactic Fermentation: Prevented
• Secondary Fermentation: In bottle
• Bottling Date: 19 August 2017
• Disgorgement Date: 7 March 2025
• Lees Maturation: 90 months
• Alcohol: 11.33% ABV
• Residual Sugar: 2.5 g/L
• Total Acidity: 8.83 g/L
• pH: 2.97
• Bottle Size: 750ml