South African sparkling wine

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South African sparkling wine, also affectionately known as"bubbly", is characterised by its unique quality and bubbly elegance. Many Bubblys are fine sparkling wines and are produced using a traditional method reminiscent of champagne production, hence the addition Methode Cape Classique (MCC).

With their expertise and dedication, South Africa's MCC producers have managed to create high-quality sparkling wines that stand out from the rest due to their unique terroir and climate. They use hand-picked grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, to create exquisite cuvées.

What makes the South African MCC so special is its ability to cater for festive occasions. From formal events to relaxed gatherings with friends, a glass of MCC is always a sign of celebration and joy. The fine effervescence, accompanied by fresh fruit flavours and subtle yeasty notes, adds an enticing complexity to the drink.

South Africa's MCC industry has grown significantly in recent years as winemakers have honed their craft. It is fascinating to watch the South African wine world enter a new era with Bubbly, establishing itself as a serious contender in the international sparkling wine market.

Overall, South African sparkling wine, especially MCC, epitomises the art of winemaking and the joy of enjoyment. Whether you are toasting to a special occasion or simply celebrating life, a glass of this sparkling elixir is always an excellent choice.

More information

Simonsigs Kaapse Vonkel - the cult MCC

The new world of wine has long since arrived in South Africa with its sparkling wines. No wonder, as the first Huguenots had already settled in Franschhoek - the French quarter in the wine lands around Cape Town - in 1688 with all their expertise in the art of wine growing and, of course, the Methode Champenoise (production of the famous champagnes). The first Methode-Cap Classique (also Methode Champenoise) was produced in South Africa by Simonsig in Stellenbosch with the name "Kaapse Vonkel", which means "Stars of the Cape" in 1978. Over 40 years later, it can be said that South Africa is hot on the heels of the old wine world. Of course, when making this claim, one should not forget that the European family of modern sparkling wine has changed considerably, in every respect.

Champagne only exists in France

The different types of sparkling wine production

Apart from Champagne, which of course comes from France, from Champagne, nobody is allowed to call their sparkling wine Champagne (name protection) but there are new sparkling wine families in Italy, Germany, Spain and even in France. The choice and the different production methods are so varied that it is difficult to keep track. On the one hand, this is good, as tastes differ. On the other hand, it's confusing and you have to acquire a little specialised knowledge to understand the subtleties:Prosecco, Spumante, Cava, Corpinnat, Petilante, Cremant, sparkling wine and Pet Nat, to name but a few.

In South Africa, there are, to date, only 3 forms of sparkling wine - the first two of which are bottle-fermented, i.e. with a second fermentation in the bottle according to the Champenoise method, also known as the traditional method, as in Champagne. The differences lie in the length of the yeast fermentation/fermentation in the bottle. In France, champagne must be matured in the bottle for at least 15 months before it can be sold as champagne. In South Africa, this is 9 months until the end of 2020 and will be increased to 12 months from 2021. If the maturation is less than 9 (12) months, it may not be called MCC. The third sparkling wine production would then be a conventional sparkling wine with the addition of carbon dioxide in a steel tank. In other words, subsequently initiated and not organically produced. All sparkling wines are called "bubbly" in South Africa.

MCC /Methode Cap Classique for the Methode Champenoise and the sparkling wine is called Sparkling Wine. The Cape wine regions offer many excellent MCCs which, like a champagne, captivate with freshness and light citrus tones and biscuit nuances from pale straw tones to golden yellow colours, in the case of rose MCCs, often also pale pink or salmon colour. The fine-pearled creaminess on the palate makes for a unique experience. Considering the price, this is incredible value for money, but the last 5 years have shown that a further steady price increase is to be expected. The MCC's from small boutique wineries in the Cape region are too good and when you consider that many only produce 2000 - 9000 bottles, it is something very exclusive! Try it - it will not disappoint the champagne connoisseur in you.

Methode Cap Classique in South Africa - underdog or insider tip

Champagne is made in France from the 3 main grape varieties, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Petit Meunier. Each grape variety has its own authentic characteristics that give traditional champagne its world-famous flavour: Pinot Noir gives structure and depth, Pinot Meunier fruit and fullness and Chardonnay, thanks to its balanced robustness, allows the champagne to mature without losing any of its elegance. Pinot Noir (especially for the Rose' MCCs), Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and sometimes even Riesling are also used in the production of MCCs. Many of the small boutique wine farms mature their MCCs for between 10 and 36 months, some even much longer.

You can see, smell and taste the difference between longer matured Methode Cap Classique's, Vintages are also a special delicacy and a must for champagne lovers! The longer a sparkling wine, in our case an MCC, lies on the lees (second fermentation in the bottle), the more brioche and honey nuances you can expect. The MCC is nevertheless tangy, sparkling and creamy. So the question of whether it is an underdog or an insider tip can only be answered after tasting it, and there is always a reason to celebrate.

Our South African sparkling wine selection

MCCs and sparkling wines can be enjoyed on many occasions: as an aperitif, with a picnic, as an appetiser, but also increasingly with a whole meal or with a cheese platter for dessert, for example. The possibilities are as varied as the flavours of the different sparkling wines of the Methode traditionell / Methode Cap Classique. Rose MCC's are a very big trend at the moment. Firstly because of their beautiful colour and secondly because of their fresh fruity notes of strawberries, raspberries and slightly softer acidity, which are also ideal as a versatile accompaniment to food.

MCC's Rose recommendations:

Sushi, fish dishes, seafood, mild soft cheeses such as sheep's cheese, fresh goat's cheese, bruschetta, smoked salmon, chicken with creamy sauces, fillet of beef, panna cotta, vanilla ice cream with berry sauces, etc.

MCC Rosé from our shop:

Colmant Cap Classique Brut Rosé
Simonsig "Kaapse Vonkel"
MCC Brut Rosé Waterkloof "Astraeus"
MCC Brut Rosé Christina Van Loveren
MCC Brut Rosé Graham Beck Cape Classique Brut Rosé

More MCC Rosés from our shop:

Kleine Zalze MCC Brut Rosé
Boschendal MCC Brut Rosé
Clos Malverne "Ellie"
MCC Rosé 2016 Silverthorn MCC "The Genie"
Brut Rosé Bon Courage "Jacques Bruere" Cuvée Rosé Brut

The "whites" - Methode Cap Classique's

The "whites" are either made from 100% Chardonnay or from a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir blend (without skin contact to avoid the colour) or also from a blend of more than 2 grape varieties. With a white MCC, the fruit character is somewhat more subtle, but there is a long-lasting tingling entry of fresh citrus fruit, apple and melon. If it has enjoyed a long maturation in the bottle, you can also discover brioche and almond tones in the finish. Good food companions here are also stronger dishes or dishes with a higher fat content such as meat and duck, savoury cheeses but also fish dishes. Or the famous oysters, caviar and sushi. Sweet desserts such as chocolate mousse, panna cotta and cakes or tarts harmonise very well. The high acidity and robust body balance these dishes pleasantly.

White MCC's in our shop:

Benguela Cove Cuvée 58 MCC
Graham Beck Methode Cap Classique Brut
Colmant Cap Classique Brut Reserve
Colmant Cap Classique Brut Chardonnay
Gabrielskloof Madame Lucy's MCC 2018
Boschendal Pinot Noir Chardonnay Brut
Pongracz MCC
Morison Miss Molly Bubbly
Kleine Zalze MCC Brut
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut MCC 2017

More white MCCs in our shop:

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut MCC 2018
Quoin Rock MCC Brut 2013
Babylonstoren Sprankel MCC Brut 2013
Thelema MCC 2015
Christina Van Loveren MCC Brut
Waterkloof Astraeus MCC Brut
Avondale MCC Amilla Blanc de Blancs Brut 2011
Colmant MCC Brut Plaisir
De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc MCC Brut
Benguela Cove Joie de vivre MCC Brut 2014

The sparkling wine category in our shop:

Clos Malverne Sparkling Brut- trocken
Van Loveren Four cousins – halbtrocken
Van Loveren Four cousins Rosé – lieblich
Van Loveren Papillon Brut- halbtrocken
Van Loveren Chardonnay Pinot Noir- halbtrocken
Van Loveren Demi-sec Sparkling-halbtrocken