Luis XIV Fondillon Elad Superior a 25 anos NV Bottle size: 500ml
Spain, Alicante
R885
‘Fondillón is an extraordinary treasure of Alicante, a rare product, made from late harvest, non-botrytised grapes, unfortified, but with a final alcohol of no less than 16%. Intense, aged, but not sweet (deliciously not more than 45g/l). Fab with cheese or dark chocolate. The wines have to be a minimum of 10 years; this release is more than 25 years. The project is a revival by David Carbonell of Vins del Comtat and two local families. Very limited quantities. 2021-2031’ – Sarah Jane Evans MW, Decanter, 95/100
‘There is also a NV Fondillón Luis XIV, Edad Superior a 25 años - Tonel Luna from a blend of three different barrels. It's a dense Fondillón with a mahogany color and an amber rim and notes of dates and raisins, carob beans and dark chocolate, waxed old furniture and a touch of varnish and nuts. It has a luscious and velvety palate with intense flavors and a bitter touch in the finish. This was never fortified and has 16.87% alcohol through evaporation and concentration and a pH of 3.45, 6.3 grams of acidity and 57 grams of sugar. 1,200 half-liter bottles were filled in November 2021. 2022-2030’ – Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 92/100
‘Pale garnet appearance with noticeable graduation to the rim. Polished. Delicate on the nose and not dissimilar to a very old and very fine oloroso. Complex, with notes of rum and raison, caramel, cinnamon, and ginger. It also retains a slight savoury edge, with wood smoke too. Refined and elegant. Light and delicate on entry but builds immediately with the acidity taking charge. This runs through the core of the wine as if it has developed its own nervous system and is evident right through to the finish. Not highly textured (in comparison to the 50 year old) and a little high-toned, with any volatiles adding only to the overall complexity. The flavour profile echoes that of the nose. Persistent finish. There is no obvious sweetness. What residual sugar exists appears to be consumed by the acidity – as does the alcohol. Wonderful balance. Despite the exclusive use of black grapes, there is no sign of any tannin, which has clearly dissipated with the long ageing.’ – Richard Kelley MW, dreyfus-ashby.co.uk
‘There is also a NV Fondillón Luis XIV, Edad Superior a 25 años - Tonel Luna from a blend of three different barrels. It's a dense Fondillón with a mahogany color and an amber rim and notes of dates and raisins, carob beans and dark chocolate, waxed old furniture and a touch of varnish and nuts. It has a luscious and velvety palate with intense flavors and a bitter touch in the finish. This was never fortified and has 16.87% alcohol through evaporation and concentration and a pH of 3.45, 6.3 grams of acidity and 57 grams of sugar. 1,200 half-liter bottles were filled in November 2021. 2022-2030’ – Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 92/100
‘Pale garnet appearance with noticeable graduation to the rim. Polished. Delicate on the nose and not dissimilar to a very old and very fine oloroso. Complex, with notes of rum and raison, caramel, cinnamon, and ginger. It also retains a slight savoury edge, with wood smoke too. Refined and elegant. Light and delicate on entry but builds immediately with the acidity taking charge. This runs through the core of the wine as if it has developed its own nervous system and is evident right through to the finish. Not highly textured (in comparison to the 50 year old) and a little high-toned, with any volatiles adding only to the overall complexity. The flavour profile echoes that of the nose. Persistent finish. There is no obvious sweetness. What residual sugar exists appears to be consumed by the acidity – as does the alcohol. Wonderful balance. Despite the exclusive use of black grapes, there is no sign of any tannin, which has clearly dissipated with the long ageing.’ – Richard Kelley MW, dreyfus-ashby.co.uk
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | 17% |
| Body | Full-bodied |
| Blend information | 100% Mourvèdre |
| Drink to | Drink or cellar |
| Variety | Mourvèdre |
| Rating | DEC 95 |
| Technical analysis | RS: 45 g/l |
| Producer information | Colección de Toneles Centenarios started when David Carbonell, an Alicante wine producer, and two old winemaking families, Ferrero Valdés and Ballester discovered an old cellar, with ancient barrels undisturbed since the 1960s. Inside were 25 old, but filled, traditional Fondillón toneles – 14 from the 19th century and 11 from the 20th. Fondillón is a rare style of wine, made from 100% Monastrell (Mourvedre). These wines are incredibly long lived (age for minimum of 10 years), capable of extended ageing in solera, and protected by a naturally higher level of alcohol (never fortified. Colección de Toneles Centenarios’ goal is to bring the historic tradition and heritage of Fondillón wines and winemaking back to life. They named this Luis XIV because on his deathbed, Louis XIV would only consume cakes soaked in Fondillón wine. |
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FREE SHIPPING:
Available on all orders over R1,500, excluding event tickets. The expected delivery times are the same as 'Standard door-to-door' below.
STANDARD DOOR-TO-DOOR:
Shipping fees are calculated on the delivery ‘street code’ provided during checkout.
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COLLECTION (Cape Town only):
Orders are available for free collection at our Cape Town office only. You will be notified as soon as your order is ready for collection.
CELLARING:
Wine Cellar offers professional wine storage at our premises in Cape Town. If you are not an existing cellaring client, please view our rates and set up an account by visiting our cellaring page.
JOHANNESBURG ONR:
For this special overnight road service, orders must be placed before 13h00 SAST. The order will be delivered by the close of business the following working day.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING:
We use a third party courier for international shipping. Please contact info@winecellar.co.za for the rates and delivery options.
