Le Lude Brut NV Cap Classique is produced from a blend of 91% Chardonnay and 9% Pinot Noir grape varietals. Grapes are hand harvested into shallow picking crates to eliminate bruising. Harvest starts at first light to ensure the grapes are still cold when processed and, if necessary, they are stored in a cold room before pressing. Three different quality fractions are selected at pressing: Cuvée – high quality free run juice, Première Taille – first extraction and Deuxieme Taille – 2nd extraction. The juice is settled using enzymes and is then racked. The clean juice goes through a cool fermentation with a small fraction fermented in 2nd – 4th fill barrels and the large majority fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. No lees contact is given post-fermentation and malolactic fermentation is avoided. Only once fermentation is complete does blending take place. The wine is matured for a minimum of 36 months on the lees before disgorgement, and a further 6 months on the cork before release. Bottled at 12%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Elegant citrus blossoms with fresh lime aromas. Secondary aromas of nougat, roasted nuts and hints of proving dough.

Palate: Bright, fresh and elegant palate entry. Aromas of grapefruit, ripe lemon and pear forms a structured mid-palate. The mousse shows finesse and texture with a restrained presence.

Finish: Length develops delicately on the palate with fine tertiary aromas of caramelised honey, vanilla and dried fig.

#CC