Vondeling Monsonia Red Blend 2020

Named after Monsonia Speciosa — a rare fynbos species endemic to the Paardeberg — the Monsonia Red Blend is Vondeling’s most expressive wine. In 1774, botanist Carl Peter Thunberg named the Monsonia plant species after Lady Anne Monson, great-grandchild of King Charles II and a celebrated botanist who accompanied Thunberg on several expeditions around the Cape of Good Hope.From the VineyardFour varietals, two terroirs. Shiraz (49%) grows in ancient, well-weathered granite soils on south-east-facing slopes — six distinct clones, each picked at its own point of ripeness, forming the backbone of the blend. Carignan (23%), Mourvédre (16%), and Grenache Noir (12%) grow as bush vines on north-east-facing slopes, well adapted to the Paardeberg’s signature heat.In the CellarFruit is hand-picked and partially destemmed, with whole-berry fermentation in open-top tanks. Two days of cold soaking precede wild yeast fermentation; extraction throughout is by hand plunging (“punch downs”). After pressing in a traditional boutique basket press, the wine moves directly to barrel for malolactic fermentation and matures for 16 months in large-format French oak — approximately one-third new, the balance in second and third fill.In the GlassVibrant charcoal red with viscous legs. The nose is kaleidoscopic: sweet lilies and rose-petal Turkish delight from the Grenache; plush black currant and blueberries from the Carignan; a velvety blanket of red berries and soft spice from the Shiraz. The palate is smooth and generous — red cherry and sweet plum up front, a plush mid-palate, and a long finish of subtle spice and roasted coconut, with no harsh or grippy tannin in sight.Food PairingA mature steak barbequed over coals with sautéed baby mushrooms, or a slow-cooked pork belly with root vegetables and tomatoes.AccoladesRated 93 points by Tim Atkin MW (2025 South Africa Report) and awarded Gold at the 2025 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. (vondelingwines.co.za)