Naude Old Vines Colombard Langpad

Naude Old Vines Colombard Langpad 2022 is a striking showcase of the Colombard varietal, traditionally less celebrated but here elevated to a premium level. This wine, made from vines planted in 1983, captures the essence of the Vredendal-area along South Africa’s West Coast, revealing the potential of Colombard when nurtured from old vines in coastal climates.

Heritage and Vineyard:

Location: Nestled approximately 35km from the ocean, the coastal influence is pivotal in shaping the grapes’ profile. This proximity to the sea imparts a unique mineral and saline quality to the wine, which complements its natural acidity and freshness.
Vine Age: The Colombard vines, dating back to 1983, are a testament to the durability and consistency of this variety under optimal growing conditions. Older vines tend to produce lower yields but with more concentrated flavors, making for a more expressive and complex wine.
Vinification:

Harvest Year: The 2022 vintage reflects a year that provided optimal conditions for Colombard in the Vredendal area, allowing for full expression of varietal characteristics.
Wine Style: Naude Old Vines Colombard is crafted to highlight the varietal’s natural crispness and vibrant fruit flavors without overshadowing its unique terroir-driven characteristics.
Tasting Notes:

Aroma: The nose is delightfully aromatic, offering vibrant notes of white peach and pear, which provide a fresh and enticing introduction to the wine.
Palate: On the palate, this Colombard unfolds with crisp acidity and a bright fruitiness that is beautifully balanced by a distinctive saline and mineral edge, reminiscent of its coastal origins.
Finish: The finish is clean and refreshing, with a lingering salty freshness that invites another sip and complements a variety of culinary dishes.
Pairing and Serving:

Food Pairing: Ideal with seafood, particularly shellfish and grilled fish, as well as salads and light poultry dishes. Its crispness cuts beautifully through richer sauces and spiced dishes, providing a palate-cleansing effect.
Serving: Best served chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities and to maintain the delicate balance of fruit and minerality.
Conclusion:
Naude Old Vines Colombard Langpad 2022 is an exemplary white wine that stands out for its clarity and purity of fruit, coupled with an intriguing mineral complexity. This wine is not only a testament to the aging potential of Colombard but also to the craftsmanship involved in bringing out the best in a traditionally understated varietal. It represents a remarkable journey from vine to glass, capturing the cool, saline breezes of the West Coast in each bottle.