In The Cellar
A portion of the base wine (15%) is fermented in French oak barrels while a further 15% of reserve wine from previous vintages is also blended in. These techniques contribute to the complexity and elegance of the finished product – as does the extended time on lees, 85 months minimum – or seven years in layman’s terms!
In The Vineyard
Absolu Zero Dosage NV is 100% Chardonnay with the fruit coming from Franschhoek (65%) and Robertson (35%).
This impressive Absolu Cap Classique wine stands as one of South Africa’s very finest creations in the method traditional sparkling wine category, expertly crafted with special care and attention taken to select only the very finest Chardonnay base wines capable of yielding something truly magical after an extended lees maturation of seven years ageing with no added dosage. This is an uncompromising premium Cap Classique that shows complex aromatics of toasted brioche, freshly baked pastries, lemon oil, shaved truffle, sea breeze and brine over waxy apples, lemon peel citrus and toasted almonds. The palate is impressively rich, compact and creamy with a delightfully elegant full mousse but also plenty of vibrant energy, honied citrus, pistachio and baked brioche characters on the long, sophisticated, pithy mineral finish. Nearing 10 years since bottling in 2014, this really is an outstanding example that quality wise stands shoulder to shoulder with some of Champagne’s very finest examples. Youthful, complex and utterly beguiling but also a culinary food-friendly dream. Drink on release and over the next 3 to 5+ years.
(95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)
