{"product_id":"le-lude-vintage-cuvee-brut","title":"Le Lude Vintage Cuvée 2016","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eThe 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. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly 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. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter 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. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColour: \u003c\/strong\u003ePale golden with youthful green highlights and an exceptionally fine, persistent mousse. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose: \u003c\/strong\u003eComplex 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. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate: \u003c\/strong\u003eElegant 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. \u003cspan class=\"contents\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish: \u003c\/strong\u003eLong, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Accolades\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2016 Vintage Cuvée has already achieved significant international recognition:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e93 Points – Decanter World Wine Awards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProducer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Le Lude\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCuvée:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vintage Cuvée\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVintage:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2016\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStyle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vintage Cap Classique\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBlend:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Cape – Franschhoek \u0026amp; Robertson\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hand-picked\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePressing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle pressing; only first juice selected\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Fermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stainless steel with a small component in 3rd- and 4th-fill French oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMalolactic Fermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prevented\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSecondary Fermentation:\u003c\/strong\u003e In bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottling Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e 19 August 2017\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDisgorgement Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7 March 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLees Maturation:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90 months\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlcohol:\u003c\/strong\u003e 11.33% ABV\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResidual Sugar:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.5 g\/L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Acidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.83 g\/L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2.97\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBottle Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 750ml\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Le Lude","offers":[{"title":"Single","offer_id":48374690250978,"sku":null,"price":1436.99,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/0785\/6098\/files\/Le_Lude_Vintage_Cuv_e_2016.jpg?v=1788901656","url":"https:\/\/capeandcane.co.za\/products\/le-lude-vintage-cuvee-brut","provider":"Cape \u0026 Cane","version":"1.0","type":"link"}