Laborie Rose NV Sparkling

Laborie Rose NV Sparkling

This pale blush Methode Cap Classique is made using the Traditional Method for Champagne and uses traditional varieties Pinot Noir 55% and 45% Chardonnay. Inviting aromas of red berries, flambéed plum and pomegranate. The palate is refreshing with an aftertaste of honey cake and sliced grapefruit leaving the taste buds with a tantalised sensation.

Viticulture

Soil in the Western Cape comprises ancient (350 million to 500 million years old) weathered soils of alluvial and volcanic origin. The alluvial soils are from both glacial and marine deposits. Some of the origins of the weathered soils are Table Mountain Sandstone, Granite and Malmesbury Shale. These have eroded over millennia and are now generally clay rich loam soils, which are most desirable for their ability to retain water for plant during summer months.

The winter preceding this vintage was cold enough to ensure good rest, it broke under far drier conditions than normal. Bud break was generally even and on schedule, with the exception of Sauvignon Blanc. Heat spiked in October and while gentle breezes favoured good set, some varieties remained inconsistent – even within the same bunch or cluster. The significantly smaller harvest coupled with the dry conditions induced earlier ripening. Late December and early January brought the heat with a six-week period where temperatures regularly rose above 35°C. Reds look very good whereas whites were challenging due to lower acids, but the winemaking team were up to the challenge and produced a solid performance.

Laborie Rose NV Sparkling – Vinification

The grapes were hand harvested into bins in the cool of the morning. They were then whole-bunch pressed and only free-run juice was used for the final blend. A selected yeast strain was used for primary fermentation. A 10% portion of the Chardonnay was allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation. The wine was blended and bottled, and underwent a secondary fermentation in the bottle. This was followed by bottle maturation of approximately 18 months. Only then was it disgorged, corked and labelled. This Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) was matured on lees, in bottle, for 18 months.

Maturation

This Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) was matured on lees, in bottle, for 18 months.

Food Pairing with Laborie Rose NV Sparkling

Enjoy this bubbly well chilled, on its own or with delicate seafood dishes and entrées.

The Laborie story began in 1691, when the Farm Laborie in the region of Paarl was granted to French Huguenot Isaac Taillefert. The family knowledge of French viticulture meant that within seven years they were producing drinkable wine. The Taillefert family laid a solid foundation of vineyards and outstanding wine production that, over three hundred years later, is evident in Laborie’s wines of distinction.

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Laborie Rose NV Sparkling