Cap Classique Day 2022

Have you heard of Cap Classique? Well, this upcoming Thursday is Cap Classique Day, which is celebrated every year on the 1st of September.

It shines the limelight on sparkling wines produced in South Africa. For a wine to be able to describe itself as Cap Classique on the label, it has to follow some rules during the production process. The most important one is that it needs to be made in the traditional method of sparkling wine production. Meaning it has to be made in the same way that Champagne is made.

The first bottle of Cap Classique was produced by Simonsig in 1971. Following this, production of the wine has only increased and grown in popularity. Initially, these wines were made from Chenin Blanc grapes, as that's want was planted at the time. Although now most Cap Classique wines follow in France's steps and are produced from the three classic Champagne varieties, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

So, if you are someone that wants to try a sparkling wine from a different country but is unsure what you will like, then this method of wine production could just right for you! As the production method is identical to that of what the French use and the grape varieties are also the same.

Currently, we have three sparkling wines from South Africa that follow the Cap Classique Method, that would be great to give a go because we think they are great!

Pop by the store and pick one up or order online, to ensure you have your bottle ready to celebrate Cap Classique Day in style.

Graham Beck Brut NV

In a nutshell:
A fresh, bright and creamy South African sparkler from one of the country's leading producers.

The lowdown:
Graham Beck is the leading South African producer of sparkling wines with an envious reputation right across the globe. The wines they make have Methode Cap Classique on the label which is South Africa's term for wines made in the same way as Champagne. This cuvée is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and, for the price, this is magnificent value for money. It has a pale straw colour and a fine, delicate mousse with delightful aromas of yeast and toasted almonds. There's a lovely brioche richness which combines with crisp citrussy and tropical fruit flavours giving a real elegance and complexity all the way through.

When to drink:
A wonderful aperitif it's great to drink alongside savoury canapés.

Suitable for Vegans

Cederberg Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique Brut 2016

In a nutshell:
A delicate and crisp Blanc de Blancs South African sparkling wine from the mountainous Cederberg region north of Cape Town.

The lowdown:
Cederberg Wine Cellars are one of the highest wineries in the Western Cape located at over 1000m above sea level located in the beautiful and rugged Cederberg mountains. With their own fresh mountain water source, isolated location and fantastic range of soils their sustainably managed vineyards are virus and disease free allowing them to grow a range of varieties and one of their oldest plantings is the block of Chardonnay used to make this Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique. The Methode Cap Classique (MCC) is the same way of making sparkling wine as they use in Champagne and there are some fantastic examples being produced, of which this is certainly one. A Brut (dry) style with a delicate mousse and fine bubbles, aromas of citrus, green pear and apricot lead onto a fresh, crisp and zesty palate with a long and dry finish. Top example of a Cap Classique from this amazing region.

When to drink:
Perfect as an aperitif, or try with smoked salmon and cream cheese. Also works well with feta and goat's cheese.

Journey's End Methode Cap Classique Brut Reserve NV

In a nutshell:
Fresh and crisp South African Methode Cap Classique sparkling from Journey's End Vineyards.

The lowdown:
This is Stellenbosch based Journey's End Vineyards first sparkling wine to celebrate their 25th birthday and Cap Classique's 50th. South Africa's Methode Cap Classique (MCC) wines are high quality sparkling made in the same way as champagne and offer some of the best value quality fizz around. A blend of two thirds Pinot Noir one third Chardonnay Journey's End's MCC only uses the best quality juice from the press and spends at least 18 months on lees that add a touch of rich yeasty, brioche notes. Crisp and clean with zesty citrus acidity running throughout this is a super refreshing and pleasing example from Journey's End.

When to drink:
Perfect as an aperitif though try with shellfish and also sushi.