Villiera Tradition Brut

Villiera Tradition Brut is the house's most famous sparkling wine and marked the start of wine production in 1984. It is made according to the classic Méthode Cap Classique (bottle fermentation), and is aged on the lees for an average of 18 months (sur lie), which gives the wine its characteristic creaminess and complexity.

Grapes & Composition

The composition is typically around 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir.

In some vintages and descriptions, some double-based variations with a little Pinotage and Chenin Blanc are mentioned, but the standard visitor is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Flavor Profile & Texture

Aroma and taste: Fresh and fruity with notes of citrus and white stone fruits, such as peach and apricot. Also experienced with aromas of butter, toast and brioche – a result of long sour lees aging

From a review: “Citrus-fresh, delicious… sun-ripened lime, lemon zest and a touch of freshly baked bread”

One assessment describes the wine as "creamy; shortbread, full-bodied spread. Deep, peachy fruit, complex, rich. Tastes like salt-buttered toasted croissant spread with lemon marmalade and apricot jam."

From IWSC: "Fresh, sweet, fruity nose with lemon, butter and toast. White peach, nectarine and ripe pear on the palate... Dry, clean and very well made. Luxurious depth of flavor and lingering, fresh finish."

Elegance, Balance & Structure

Tradition Brut shows a fine balance between freshness and a rich, creamy mouthfeel. It is dry, clear and very well composed with a persistent and fresh finish.

Awards

• Platter's Wine Guide: 4 stars

• SAWi: Platinum (100 points)

• National Wine Challenge: Top 100 & Double Platinum

• Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge: Gold

• World Sparkling Wine Award: Gold

• Decanter World Wine Awards: 93 points

• Intercontinental Wine Challenge: Gold

• From UK reviews: much praise for creamy texture and deep fruit

Technical details

• Alcohol: Around 11.5–12%

• Acid & Residual Sugar: Typically around 6–6.8 g/l acid and approx. 6–8 g/l residual sugar

• Serving temperature: Ideally 6–10 °C

• Shelf life: Best within 3 years from date of purchase

Food match

The wine is all-round and goes particularly well with aperitifs , fresh seafood and fish, such as grilled shrimp, citrus marinades, risotto with asparagus or creamy goat cheese with herbs.