South African Sparkling Wine

In line with the rest of the country’s continued ascent in fine wine circles, South Africa’s sparkling wines have garnered significant critical acclaim in recent years. Known broadly as ‘Cap Classique’, the wines employ Champagne’s traditional vinification method, via a secondary fermentation in bottle. And while there is no limitation as to the grape varieties that can be used in Cap Classique wines, Chardonnay has proven the most effective, with some Pinot Noir also in the mix. The category as a whole has benefitted from a tightening up on winemaking criteria in recent years, with the top wines limited to a maximum amount of first-run juice and a minimum lees-ageing requirement. The best bottlings show a wonderfully clean and fresh profile that develops richer, baked notes with age.