4 South African Bubblies to Sip on World Champagne Day
Attention all wine and champagne aficionados! Brace yourselves for a whirlwind of flavour and elegance this October because we’re in for a double delight that’ll tantalise your taste buds and uplift your spirits!
Kicking off this fabulous month, we’re diving headfirst into the second week of October with Local Wine Week. It’s the time when we, proud South Africans, get to bask in the glory of our nation’s finest wines. Picture yourself savouring the rich, sun-kissed grapes from the heart of our land.
And that’s just the beginning! As October draws to a close, we’re rolling out the red carpet for World Champagne Day on the 27th of October.
So, with that in mind, it’s only apt that we take a look at some of the best local ‘Champagnes’ (we call it Cap Classique in South Africa as it’s made in the same style as Champagne). Here are our picks for 4 local CCs (Cap Classique) to celebrate with this World Champagne Day.
Black Elephant Vintners’ MCC Cap Classique Brut
Taking its inspiration from the design of the Ducati Monster, the mind’s behind BEV say they’ve stripped off all the bling so commonly associated with Champagnes, CC, Prosecco etc to create this down-to-earth gem with a touch of class. This bubbly is a classic blend of Chardonnay (75%) contributing fruit and elegance and Pinot Noir (25%) for complexity and length of flavour.
Well suited to the African palate, that prefers sweet, but wants to drink a dry style, this CC has a sugar level of 8g/l, well below the Brut limit of 12g/l, combined with the Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend we have a style that is far more accessible. A very Sociable style that is suited to large parties, weddings and groups of friends, you will need more than one bottle.
Weltevrede Philip Jonker Rosetta Brut Chardonnay Pinot Noir
If you’re after one of the best CCs in South Africa, then look no further than Weltevrede wines. The new Weltevrede Philip Jonker Rosetta Brut Chardonnay Pinot Noir is an elegant and refreshing, reminiscent of strawberries and cream, and is the ideal choice for outdoors enjoyment in springtime and summer. This dry Rosé, with a light rose colour, is a generous and voluptuous style of Cap Classique. It is deep and rich with some sweetness on the finish.
Klein Welmoed Foothills Monogram Collection MCC
The Foothills Monogram Collection Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) is the perfect choice for celebrating a special occasion. The MCC, which is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, is a beautiful pale gold hue, with very fine bubbles. In keeping with the style of a boutique wine estate, only 1 600 bottles of this vintage have been made, making it a very special gift for your self or a bubbly lover.
Philip Jonker Nectar Demi Sec Chardonnay
Another new addition to the Weltevrede Cap Classique lineup is the Philip Jonker Nectar Demi Sec Chardonnay. This 100% chardonnay sparkling wine enjoys an extra long lees maturation in the bottle before degorgement. It’s a mature sparkling chardonnay and would be right at home for a special occasion or served as part of dinner’s grand finalé of cheesecake, macarons and other patisserie.
So, whether you’re sipping on the rich and robust local wines during Local Wine Week or popping the cork on some bubbly bliss for World Champagne Day, this October promises a wine and champagne extravaganza that’ll leave you raising your glass with pure South African pride. Cheers to the misfits, the rebels, and the sparkling moments ahead!