Cheers to South African Sparkling Wine: A Guide to the Method Cap Classique

South Africa has long been known for its top-notch wines. From the lush, rolling vineyards of the Western Cape to the dry and arid Karoo, South African winemakers have mastered the art of winemaking. And now, the country is making a name for itself in the world of sparkling wines. South African sparkling wines have become some of the most sought-after bubbly wines in the world, thanks to their unique and distinct flavour profiles. So, if you’re looking for an exciting and delicious new way to celebrate a special occasion, you should definitely try out some South African sparkling wines. In this article, we’ll explore the history, flavours, and best food pairings for South African sparkling wines, and provide you with some tips on how to choose and serve the perfect bubbly.

Introduction to South African Sparkling Wines

When it comes to South African sparkling wines, the first thing that comes to mind is the renowned Method Cap Classique (MCC). This unique method of making sparkling wines has been used in South Africa since the mid-1990s and has become the country’s signature style of sparkling wine. MCCs are made using the traditional method, or Méthode Champenoise, which is the same method used to make Champagne in France. This method involves a two-stage fermentation process, during which the wine is bottled with a dosage of sugar and yeast, and then aged for a minimum of nine months. This method produces a wine with a bubbly, refreshing, and dry finish, which is the perfect accompaniment to any special occasion.

But MCC isn’t the only sparkling wine produced in South Africa. The country also produces a variety of sparkling wines made with a variety of different grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Chenin Blanc. These sparkling wines have their own unique flavour profiles and styles and can be the perfect addition to any celebration.

History of South African Sparkling Wine

South Africa has a long, rich history of winemaking, and the production of sparkling wines can be traced back to the late 1800s. The first sparkling wines were made using the traditional method and were mainly produced in the Western Cape. Over the years, South African winemakers have experimented with different grapes and techniques, and have developed a unique style of sparkling wine that has become known as the Method Cap Classique.

The MCC method was developed in the mid-1990s and has since become the signature style of sparkling wine in South Africa. This method involves the same two-stage fermentation process as the traditional method, but with the addition of a dosage of sugar and yeast, which helps to produce a bubbly, refreshing, and dry finish. This method has become so popular that it is now protected by the Appellation of Origin system, which ensures that all MCC sparkling wines produced in South Africa must adhere to a strict set of regulations.

Method Cap Classique: What is it?

Method Cap Classique (MCC) is the signature style of sparkling wine produced in South Africa. The MCC method is the same traditional method used to make Champagne in France, with the addition of a dosage of sugar and yeast. This method produces a dry, bubbly, and refreshing sparkling wine with a distinctive flavour.

MCC sparkling wines are made using a variety of different grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Chenin Blanc. These grapes are blended together to create a unique flavour profile that is both complex and approachable.

In addition to the traditional method, South African winemakers have also developed a number of different styles of sparkling wine. Some of these include the Blanc de Blancs, which is made using only Chardonnay grapes, and the Blanc de Noirs, which is made using only Pinot Noir grapes. In fact, Pinot Noir grapes were brought into South Africa and first planted by Gerhard Perold from Perold Wine Cellar’s great-grandfather, Abraham Izak Perold who created the Pinotage grape, brought 177 grape varieties into South Africa and experimented extensively with better and more sustainable agriculture and viticulture.

The Best South African Sparkling Wines

South African sparkling wines come in a range of styles, colours, and flavours, so it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here is a list of some of the best South African sparkling wines available:

• Graham Beck Brut Rosé: This sparkling wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, and has a bright, fruity flavour with hints of berries and citrus.
• Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut: This sparkling wine is made using only Chardonnay grapes, and has a light, delicate flavour with hints of green apple and citrus.
• Pongracz Cap Classique Brut: This sparkling wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, and has a rich, full-bodied flavour with notes of honey and toasted almonds.
• Villiera Tradition Brut: This sparkling wine is made using only Chardonnay grapes, and has a crisp, clean flavour with hints of green apple and citrus.
• Backsberg Blanc de Blancs: This sparkling wine is made using only Chardonnay grapes, and has a bright, refreshing flavour with hints of citrus and tropical fruit.
• Benguela Cove Cuvee 58: This Method Cap Classique allures with vivid aromas of candied apple, pear and sweet grass that come to life when the fine mousse explodes on the surface.

How to Choose the Best South African Sparkling Wines

When it comes to choosing the best South African sparkling wines, there are a few things to consider. First, it’s important to look at the style of the sparkling wine. Is it a traditional MCC, or is it a Blanc de Blancs or Blanc de Noirs? Each of these styles will have its own unique flavour profile, so it’s important to think about what you’re looking for before making your choice.

Next, it’s important to look at the flavour profile of sparkling wine. Some sparkling wines will have a light, delicate flavour, while others will have a rich, full-bodied flavour. It’s also important to consider the grape variety used to make the sparkling wine, as different varieties will produce different flavours.

Finally, it’s important to consider the price of sparkling wine. While some sparkling wines can be quite expensive, there are also some excellent options that are more affordable. So, it’s important to find a sparkling wine that fits both your budget and your taste preferences.

The Best Food Pairings for South African Sparkling Wines

South African sparkling wines are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of different dishes. Here are some of the best food pairings for South African sparkling wines:

• Oysters: Oysters and sparkling wines are a classic pairing. The rich, briny flavours of the oysters are complemented by the bright, refreshing flavours of the sparkling wine.
• Salads: The light, refreshing flavours of sparkling wine are the perfect accompaniment to a light summer salad. Try pairing a crisp MCC with a salad of greens and fresh berries.
• Sushi: The crisp, dry flavours of sparkling wine are the perfect complement to the delicate flavours of sushi. Try pairing a Blanc de Blancs with a plate of sushi rolls.
• Cheese: The creamy, rich flavours of cheese are complemented by the bright, refreshing flavours of sparkling wine. Try pairing an MCC with a plate of creamy Brie or Camembert.
• Fruit: The bright, fruity flavours of sparkling wine are the perfect accompaniment to a plate of fresh fruit. Try pairing a Blanc de Noirs with a plate of melon, berries, and stone fruit.

Sparkling Wine Tasting Tips

Tasting sparkling wines can be a fun and exciting experience, but it can also be a bit intimidating. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sparkling wine tasting experience:

• Start with a clean palate: Before tasting sparkling wine, make sure to drink a glass of plain water to cleanse your palate.
• Look at the colour: Take a moment to look at the colour of the sparkling wine. This can give you an indication of the type of grapes used and the sweetness of the wine.
• Smell the aromas: Take a moment to smell the aromas of the sparkling wine. This can give you an indication of the flavour profile of the wine.
• Taste the flavours: Take a sip of the sparkling wine and pay attention to the flavours on your tongue. This can give you an indication of the body and texture of the wine.
• Spit or swallow: You can either swallow or spit out the sparkling wine. If you choose to swallow, you should also pay attention to the finish of the wine.

Contact Gerhard at Perold Wine Cellar for a bespoke tasting or join our next Time to Wine Down event.

Where to Buy South African Sparkling Wines

South African sparkling wines can be found in a variety of different places. You can find a great selection of South African sparkling wines at your local wine shop or liquor store. You can also find a great selection of South African sparkling wines online at Perold Wine Cellar.

How to Serve South African Sparkling Wines

When serving South African sparkling wines, it’s important to use the proper glassware. Sparkling wines should always be served in a flute or tulip glass, which will help to preserve the carbonation of the wine. It’s also important to keep the bottle chilled. Sparkling wines should be served cold, at a temperature between 8-10°C.

Conclusion

South African sparkling wines are some of the most sought-after bubbly wines in the world, thanks to their unique and distinct flavour profiles. The signature style of South African sparkling wine is the Method Cap Classique, which is made using the traditional method, with the addition of a dosage of sugar and yeast. South African sparkling wines come in a range of styles, colours, and flavours, and can be the perfect addition to any celebration. So, what are you waiting for?
Find your favourite South African sparkling wine at Perold Wine Cellar, and start celebrating!