Discovering Cap Classique - South Africa’s Sparkling Wine
What is Cap Classique?
Cap Classique is South Africa’s answer to Champagne. Made by the traditional fermentation method, where a second fermentation takes place in the bottle, this sparkling wine has scooped up a number of awards and is recognised for its high quality all over the world.
What grapes do they use in Cap Classique?
Cap Classique (previously known as Méthod Cap Classique or MCC) can be made from a variety of grapes, but most wineries will use the traditional Champagne grapes of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, alongside Chenin Blanc and perhaps Pinotage and even Sauvignon Blanc.
Most of these are cool climate grapes and you’d be forgiven for wondering how these grapes flourish in such a hot country like South Africa. Well, South Africa has many micro climates, where elevation and sea breeze brings the temperature down and ensures the grapes retain their freshness and acidity - crucial for making sparkling wine.
What are the best regions in South Africa to make Cap Classique?
Most wineries in South Africa will make a Cap Classique as part of their portfolio, but there are a few key regions (or wards as they’re called in SA) where the very best are made. Robertson, known for its limestone-rich soils, which impart a distinct minerality and chalky flavour to the wines; Elgin, a cool, mountainous region; and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, a region in Walker Bay, cooled by the winds from the Atlantic Ocean. That said, you can also find some award-winning bottles in the well-known wards of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl - even Cederberg, a more mountainous region.
What are the best wineries in South Africa who make Cap Classique?
Graham Beck is one of the pioneers of Cap Classique in South Africa. In 1983, he purchased Madeba, a wine farm located outside the Western Cape town of Robertson. Since the 80s, Beck has been crafting elegant, sparkling wines, from entry level easy-drinkers to rich and complex celebratory bottles.
Charles Fox is a boutique winery in Elgin, a cool climate region, circled by mountains. In 2005, wine farm was purchased by Charles Fox, who had been on the hunt to find the best land to make top-quality Cap Classique - and he achieved it.
Krone is located in Tulbagh mountains, in the western cape. They have a rich history dating back to the 18th century, and have perfected the art of making fine sparkling wine.
Simonsig, based in the popular winemaking region of Stellenbosch, is also recognised as one of the pioneers of Cap Classique. In fact, Frans Malan is said to be South Africa’s very first producer of traditional method bottle-fermented sparkling wine, with the release of the beloved Kaapse Vonkel in 1971.
L'Ormorans, sits at the foot of the Groot Drakenstein Mountains, in Franschhoek. They make a selection of sparkling and still wines that have fast been gaining recognition in the UK.
Where can I buy Cap Classique in the UK?
South African wine importers have increased greatly over the last few years. Now, you can find Cap Classique on many supermarket shelves, as well as online and in small boutique shops.
Krone 'Borealis' Cuvée Brut 2022, South Africa
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2018, South Africa
Villiera Cap Classique Brut, Stellenbosch
Graham Beck Rosé Brut NV, Waitrose
Benguela Cove Cuvée58 Rosé NV, Benguela
M&S Graham Beck Cap Classique Brut
Spier Cap Classique Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut, Slurp
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Cap Classique, The Savanna