Everyone agrees that there is just something extraordinary and exceptional about popping open a bottle of your favourite Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) and even more so if this special experience happens to take place in a breathtaking setting in the Franschhoek Wine Valley.
It is certainly the ultimate in celebrating life’s biggest moments and these days it is also accepted that you no longer need a ‘big’ moment to celebrate with bubbly, you can simply drink it because you love it.
For those of you who still need an excuse to pop open a bottle of MCC, we have great news! This Sunday, the first day of Spring, has been officially named #CapClassiqueDay. This is a day when producers, bubbly lovers and friends unite and share all the excitement that is Cap Classique.
In Franschhoek we will definitely be celebrating this day! With over 24 of our producers in the valley dedicated to crafting some of the best MCC’s, there is no doubt that Méthode Cap Classique forms a large part of our valley’s offering. We are also one of the first regions to create a dedicated Cap Classique Route, a route which takes bubbly lovers on a journey along our valley while they experience all the different styles of MCC our Vignerons produce. Here you will learn all about our terroir, different styles of MCC, and discover some of the interesting methods used to produce our MCC. Jargon like ‘riddling’, ‘digorging’ and ‘agrafe®’ will soon become part of your vocabulary.
We love a good celebration and our bubblies so much that we also started a festival ten years ago dedicated to sipping on great South African MCC’s and a few Champagnes in a gorgeous outdoor setting in Franschhoek. The Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival presented by Sanlam Private Wealth takes place at the historic Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek over the weekend of 30 November and 1 December this year. It is also the perfect opportunity to dress up in your most stylish outfit. Visit our website at www.franschhoekmcc.co.za for more information.
But first, it is time to go out and get a bottle of your favourite Franschhoek MCC to enjoy on #CapClassiqueDay this Sunday. If you need a few suggestions, have a look at our list of favourite bubblies below:
COLMANT BRUT CHARDONNAY NV
This Colmant Blanc de Blanc blend was created from a special selection of Chardonnay and is the epitome of Chardonnay expression – fine, elegant and fresh. This impressive MCC won the trophy of “BEST CAP CLASSIQUE BLANC DE BLANCS” at the 2018 Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, the only competition that focuses exclusively on Cap Classique. R265, https://www.colmant.co.za/wine/27
2012 LE LUDE CUVÉE
At the 16th annual Decanter World Wine Awards, which saw France scoop 13 of the 50 Best In Show medals. South Africa earned six Platinum medals, which included the 2012 Vintage Le Lude Cuvée – the first South African MCC to receive this prestigious accolade. This award-winning MCC comprises 83% Chardonnay and 17% Pinot Noir grapes, and is whole-bunch pressed with only the cuvee used in the Vintage blend. It’s matured on the lees for 56 months, of which only 2,361 bottles were released.
R1 195, Buy it from the Le Lude Estate in Franschhoek.
2014 SPRANKEL MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE
Made from 100% Chardonnay, expect a vibrant, fruity and crisp MCC. In Babylonstoren style the wine was made as simply and authentically as possible. Before bottling, yeast residue is removed through a process called dégorgement à la glace, by freezing the neck of the bottle. Once the bottle is turned upright again, internal pressure forces the frozen yeast out of the bottle. Often the lost liquid is replaced with sweet wine or even cognac, but our cellar master Charl Coetzee decided to add nothing at all! This Sprankel is pure. This pure quality, combined with a lengthy ageing process, produced rich creaminess and fruit accents. Sprankel combines well with cheese, fruit, salmon, shellfish and caviar. Its smooth character sits beautifully with poultry and seafood dishes.
R650, https://shop.babylonstoren.com/product/sprankel-2014
2015 LA MOTTE MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE
La Motte Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) originates from Franschhoek and the Chardonnay as well as Pinot Noir grapes from which the wine was made, were produced on La Motte. Vineyards grow against a southern slope 200 metres above sea level. Almost equal amounts of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were matured on the lees to bring enough body and roundness to avoid adding any sweetness, while the firm acidity delivers finesse and freshness. An attractive bouquet of citrus, brioche and nuts with fine bubbles brings an exciting presence on the palate and leaves a refreshing finish. The 2015 vintage was listed on the 2018 Sommeliers Selection Wine List.
R360, https://www.la-motte.com/collections/buy-wine-online/products/2015-la-motte-methode-cap-classique
BLACK ELEPHANT VINTNERS BRUT MCC
The fruit for the 2014 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir Brut MCC was selected from two vineyards in the Franschhoek Valley. Each site contributes a different flavour profile to the final blend as it grows in diverse soil types and slopes. The blend comprises 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir. This MCC’s nickname is “The Emcee” and it is best paired with The Sound of Silence by Disturbed.
R265, https://bevintners.co.za/product/bev-mcc/
JEAN ROI CAP PROVINCIAL ROSÉ 2017
This is a premium rosé made in the same style as the rosés found in Provence. It has a gentle fruity nose with stone fruit (nectarine and white peach), overlaid with a delicate white blossom note. The acidity is refreshing and in harmony with the fruit, adding a lovely lemon zest twist to the mouthful. Rounded and full with good length, the wine finishes dry with a gentle hint of citrus peel at the end.
R290, https://www.shop.rupertwines.com/buy-wine/jean-roi/jean-roi-jean-roi-ros%C3%A9-2017
PIERRE JOURDAN BRUT NV
Pierre Jourdan Brut is an elegant Méthode Cap Classique created from a blend of the classic varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
R145, https://www.cabriere.co.za/onlineshop/wines/pierre-jourdan/pierre-jourdan-brut/
