A blend of 60% Shiraz, 23% Mourverde, 10% Carignan and 7% Grenache Noir.

Vondeling Monsonia is named after Monsonia Speciosa, a very rare species of fynbos (vegetation type occurring in the Western Cape region of South Africa) found in the Paardeberg mountain, the home of Vondeling wines.

The Shiraz vines grow in ancient, well-weathered granite soils on southeast-facing slopes, which are ideal for our warm South African climate. In total, six clones of Shiraz can be found on the farm and only the best performing clones go into the final blend. Typically, each clone contributes different characteristics to the wine and the different blocks are picked at varying degrees of ripeness, best suited to their character. The Mourvedre, Carignan, and Grenache are best adapted to hot sun and are grown as bush vines on northeast-facing slopes. Highly selective hand-picking guarantees that only the best fruit arrives at the winery.

After being chilled overnight, bunches are partially destemmed, but not crushed, and whole berry fermentation takes place in open-top fermentation tanks. An initial two-day period of cold soaking is applied before wild yeast fermentation is allowed to commence. During fermentation, hand plunging, commonly known as punch downs is the method of mixing and extraction. After fermentation, the wine is pressed in a traditional boutique-size basket press. All wine is then transferred directly to barrel where malolactic fermentation takes place. Only large format French oak barrels are used, with about one-third new and the rest 2nd and 3rd fill. The wine is allowed to mature for 16 months before a final barrel selection, blending and bottling takes place

Vibrant and clear with beautifully viscous legs clinging to the glass. Each grape component vies for attention in this kaleidoscopic bouquet. Sweet lillies and rose-petal Turkish delight from the Grenache, plush black currant and blueberries from the Carignan, all wrapped in a velvety blanket of red berries and soft spice from the Shiraz. A smooth, velvety palate devoid of harsh or grippy tannin. Red cherry candy and sweet plum at the fore with a soft plush center and subtle spice with roasted coconut at the end.

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.5% | TA 5.3 g/l | RS 3.3 g/l | pH 3.5