Anthonij Rupert L’Ormarins Sparkling Brut NV

Type: Sparkling
Country: South Africa
Region: Franschoek Valley
Grape Variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Rating: 89 Robert Parker Points

Climate: Warm continental climate
Terroir: The Pinot Noir vineyards at L’Ormarins are situated on moderate to steep slopes with an altitude ranging between 178 to 188 metres above sea level. The soils are mainly decomposed granite with alluvial sandy soils. The Chardonnay vineyards at Rooderust consist of decomposed shale with a larger percentage of clay in the composition. This soil type belongs to the Oakleaf group of soils and is calcareous with excellent draining and water-retention properties
Winemaking: Hand-picking of both varieties in the early morning at 18–20°C, then whole bunch pressing. The free-run juice settles and commences fermentation. After fermentation, the wine settles and is racked on lees. Filtering and sweetening of the base wine before bottling in preparation for second fermentation. Yeast is added to the base wine during bottling. A long, slow second fermentation for 2–4 years of bottle maturation on lees. Dosage is added during disgorging, then the bottles are kept for 3 months after disgorging before their release to the market

Color: Delicate peach
Nose: Appealing aromas of candied apple, citrus pith and a light flinty, limestone nuance
Palate: Distinctly fruity with flavours of white peach and apple to start with, it has good vibrance and a crisp crunch of acidity to balance the fruitiness. It is rounded, creamy, broad and textured in the mouth, and its long aftertaste finishes on a light lemon zest note