South African sparkling wine

Champagne the protected predicate
 
The origin champagne from France, from the region of the Champagne may call itself as the only one also champagne (name protection).

New families of sparkling wines in Italy, Germany, Spain and even in France have developed. The selection/variety and the different
Production methods are widely spread, so it is difficult to keep track of them.
You have to acquire a bit of expertise to understand the subtleties and not lose the overview. Prosecco, Spumante, Cava, Corpinnat, Petilante, Cremant, sparkling wine and Pet Nat to name but a few. In South Africa, however, we count three variants among the main category of sparkling wines.
The first two are bottle fermentations, with a second fermentation in the bottle, according to the Champenoise/ Traditional Method, as in Champagne.
The distinguishing features always refer to the length of the bottle fermentation/fermentation. A French Champagne must be aged in the bottle for at least 15 months. Only then is it a champagne. In South Africa it is 9 months until the end of the year 2020, and from 2021 it is even 12 months (vintage). With a bottle maturity of less than 9(12) months, the sparkling wine may not be called MCC.
The third option of sparkling wine production is that of a conventional sparkling wine with the help of carbon dioxide in a steel tank.
Not organically produced, but initiated with a pump.
In South Africa all sparkling wines are called "Bubbly". MCC/Méthode Cap Classique for the method Champenoise as well as sparkling wine, which is called Sparkling Wine.
MCC's from the Cape Wine region beguile like a champagne with freshness and citrus notes. Almond and sponge cake nuances are present in the many mature Méthode Cap Classiques and round off the fine, velvety mouthfeel. Light straw tones, golden yellow colours, with rose MCCs, often also a pale salmon colour additionally bewitch. If you consider the price, MCC's have an enormous potential and an incredible price-performance ratio. However, the last 5 years have shown that a steady price increase will not be stopped. The quality from the small boutique wineries, many of which still produce only 2000-9000 bottles, is just too good.

Try it - Even die-hard champagne lovers will not be disappointed.

Method Cap Classique - To be or not to be

The 3 main grape varieties of French champagne are: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Petit Meunier. Each grape variety has its own authentic, personal touch and characteristics. This is how the traditional champagne acquires its world-famous taste.
The Pinot Meunier stands for fruit and fullness, Pinot Noir for structure and depth, and the Chardonnay helps the champagne with its robustness and gives it maturity and elegance.

The grape varieties used for a South African MCC's are Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and even Riesling.
The average maturation period of an MCC's is between 10 and 36 months. However, 4-7 years is no longer a rarity for some vintages.
What is special about mature Méthode Cap Classique or Vintage in general?
You can see, smell and taste the difference.
Every champagne lover will confirm this! It is the royal class of champagnes - the longer on the yeast (second fermentation in the bottle), the more honey nuances, brioche, almond aromas and even nut aromas we can find.
It is always astonishing that an MCC, even after a long storage period, performs sparkling and tingly in the glass. A fine pearl play of millions of small bubbles.
To be or not to be - you have to have tried it to be able to judge.
There is always a reason to celebrate, even if it is only curiosity.

Sparkling wines for every occasion

Rosé MCC's are currently very popular. They have a very beautiful colour and fresh fruit notes of strawberries, raspberries and have a lower acidity, making them a versatile food companion.

The possible uses of MCC's and sparkling wine have become more diverse.
It is not only served as an aperitif or as a starter, even whole menus are adapted to it. Served as a dessert or with a cheese platter, it fulfils many expectations with flying colours.
The taste nuances of the different sparkling wines of the method traditional / Méthode Cap Classique, fit to every kind of dessert.

MCC's Rose indulgence recommendations:
 

Mild soft cheeses such as sheep's cheese, goat's cheese, sushi, fish dishes, seafood, bruschetta, smoked salmon, poultry with creamy sauces, beef fillet, panna cotta with berry sauces, etc.
MCC Rosé from our shop:
Small salts MCC Brut Rosé
Colmant Cap Classique Brut Rosé
Simonsig "Kaapse Vonkel"
MCC Brut Rosé Graham Beck Cape Classique Brut Rosé
Boschendal MCC Brut Rosé
Close Malverne "Ellie"
MCC Rosé 2016 Silverthorn MCC "The Genie
Brut Rosé Bon Courage "Jacques Bruere "Cuvée Rosé Brut
MCC Brut Rosé Waterkloof "Astraeus
MCC Brut Rosé Christina Van Loveren

The fruity character of a white MCC has a long lasting sparkling entrance of fresh citrus fruits, apple and melon.
Not as fruity as an MCC Rosé, but with lasting nuances of almonds and brioche, when matured for a longer period in the bottle.

The grape variety of a "white" Méthode Cap Classique is either Chardonnay or a Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Blend. Care is taken to ensure that the red skin of the Pinot Noir grape is removed before fermentation. Sometimes a combination of more than 2 grape varieties is used - there are no legal restrictions.

Good serving suggestions are dishes with high fat content such as duck, meat dishes, spicy cheeses and mature brie. Of course also oysters, caviar and also sushi.
Due to the pleasant acidity and the robust body, even desserts harmonize very well. Panna Cotta, chocolate mousse, cakes and tarts balance very well with a Chardonnay MCC.
 
MCC's in our shop:
 
Graham Beck Méthode Cap Classique Brut
Benguela Cove Cuvée 58 MCC
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brood MCC 2017
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brood MCC 2018
Colmant Cap Classique Brut Reserve
Colmant Cap Classique Brut Chardonnay
Gabrielskloof Madame Lucy's MCC 2018
Boschendal Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut
Small salts MCC Brut
Quoin Rock MCC Spawn 2013
Babylon blinds Sprankel MCC brood 2013
Topic MCC 2015
Christina Van Loveren MCC Brood
Waterkloof Astraeus MCC larva
Avondale MCC Amilla Blanc de Blancs Spawn 2011
Colmant MCC Brut Plaisir
De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc MCC Brood
Benguela Cove Joie de vivre MCC brood 2014
Pongracz MCC
Morison Miss Molly Bubbly
De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc MCC Brood
Benguela Cove Joie de vivre MCC brood 2014

The sparkling wine category in our shop:

Close Malverne Sparkling Brut- dry
Van Loveren Four Cousins - semi-dry
Van Loveren Four Cousins Rosé - lovely
Van Loveren Papillon Brut- semi-dry
Van Loveren Chardonnay Pinot Noir- medium dry
Van Loveren Demi-sec Sparkling-half-dry