Some of the best value for money wines currently available in the local market are produced by Vondeling. Situated in the Voor Paardeberg area of Paarl, the farm was granted to Swedish immigrant Oloff Bergh by Governor Willem Adriaan van der Stel in 1704. Vondeling has a three-centuries-old winemaking tradition dating back to the early 1700’s and today they are producing a wide range of good wines under winemaker Matthew Copeland. The wines all have one thing in common: they over deliver at their price point.
Our favourite is the Vondeling Babiana (2009 is a Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay & Grenache Blanc blend). The Chenin Blanc grapes originate from 28-year-old dry land vineyards, aptly named Graveyard Chenin after the historic family grave they encompass. The fullness of the Chenin Blanc, as well as the structure and aroma of the Viognier is tempered by a strong mineral character, which the granite soils promote. Each wine is fermented separately and matured on the lees for at least 7 months. Malolactic fermentation is encouraged to occur and softens the acidity and promotes rich, buttery flavours. After this period the wine is blended and put back in barrel. The wine spends a total of 11 months in oak before being bottled in January of the following year.
The wine has a deliciously complex, spicy nose of ginger, jasmine, coconut and peaches while the palate is fresh with touches of white pepper, citrus blossoms, honey and pears. All this complexity for only R95 per bottle.
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