Avondale ‘Armilla’ Blanc de Blanc MCC 2017

Avondale ‘Armilla’ Blanc de Blanc’ Brut Méthode Cap Classique 2018

Winemaking

Armilla is made from Chardonnay grapes from 16 to 28-year-old organically-grown vines that have a low yield of 6 to 8 ton of healthy, balanced fruit. The grapes were hand-picked in the cool early morning at 18˚ to 19˚ Balling. Whole bunches were pressed, the juice settled and then racked to a stainless steel tanks for natural fermentation. 10% was fermented in French oak barrels and blended back. The blended wine was left on the lees for 24 months, after which it was bottled to allow second fermentation in glass. The wine stayed on the lees in glass for 60 months before it was disgorged. In line with tradition, a dosage was added.

Tasting Notes

Left on lees for 5 years, it provides a rich and round on the palate with a perfect balance of toasty, warm hazelnut bread, fresh quince, and crisp green apple. The fresh effervescent acidity is lively yet seamlessly integrated, complemented by a full, velvety mouthfeel layered with hints of citrus. The wine unfolds layer after layer, culminating in a refined and sophisticated finish full of elegance.

Analysis

Alcohol: 11.5 %
Residual Sugar: 1.95 g/l
Total Acidity: 6.6 g/l
pH: 3.11
Wine of Origin: Paarl

Special Notes

Sparkling with joy, this fresh, versatile Brut is full of the verve that comes from Avondale’s holistic way of making delicious, natural wines. Armilla embodies our celebration of life on the farm. Armilla bears Avondale’s logo, a rendition of the Armillary sphere, an ancient astronomical instrument used to show the position of stars around the earth. It represents Avondale’s holistic approach to life on our farm where, from the minerals in the soil to the stars in the skies, all is combined in an energised, living system.