Whether you’re cosying up with a lover, hanging out with the crew or having some well-deserved ‘me time’ this Valentine’s weekend, there’s no better way to celebrate love in all its glorious forms than popping a bottle of bubbly.
Over the past few years, South African wineries have really gone above and beyond in producing some truly beautiful bubblies in original, bottle fermented process used by the French. Known as Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), some of these wines are even considered to be serious rivals for some of France’s top champagnes.
If you’re still searching for that perfect match for this weekend’s celebrations, why not try one of these MCCs:
Graham Beck Brut Rosé
Earlier this week, we received the loveliest Valentine’s surprise from Graham Beck: nine hand-crafted truffles, 10 roses and – to top it all off – a bottle of Brut Rosé 2012.
Among all the MCC producers in South Africa, the Robertson Valley winery has truly carved out a niche for itself as one of the – if not THE – most versatile.
The Brut Rosé 2012 forms part of the Vintage Collection and is a favourite choice for celebrating special occasions.
The delightful salmon pink hue perfectly complements the sumptuous strawberry notes and rich creamy complexity on the palate. We suggest savouring a glass (or more) with a succulent seafood dish, followed by a decadently delicious dessert.
The Graham Beck Brut Rosé 2012 retails for R240 on the Graham Beck website.
MCCs by our Wine Partners
If you’d like to support our Joburg Wine Club partners, these are your options:
Boschendal
Boschendal boasts a range of four bubblies:
· Brut (51% Chardonnay / 49% Pinot Noir)
· Brut Rosé (30% Pinotage, 20% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir)
· Grande Cuvée Brut (53% Chardonnay and 47% Pinot Noir)
· Jean Le Long (100% Chardonnay)
While each of these wines will add some sparkle to any celebration, the Cuvée Brut has been named one of the Top Ten Cap Classiques by South African Wine & Cellar Classifications for the ten year period of 2008 to 2018.
Visit the Boschendal website for more details about their MCC range.
Groot Constantia
As the oldest wine farm in South Africa it can only be expected that Groot Constantia has also made a memorable contribution to local bubblies.
Their beautiful Brut Rosé is a 2013 vintage and comprises 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The light salmon pink colour is sure to offer a romantic blush to your weekend festivities.
Visit the Groot Constantia website to order your bottle now!
La Motte
The 2014 La Motte MCC offers a perfectly balanced blend of 52% Pinot Noir and 48% Chardonnay.
As with all La Motte’s wines, this MCC just oozes style and quality – from the curvaceous bottle to the pleasant, lingering after-taste.
You can purchase it on the La Motte website at R320 per bottle.
(We also notice that it’s going for a bargain in an online exclusive at Makro)
Nitida
Nitida’s 2016 The Dracks – A Matriarch marks their seventh vintage of white bubbly and proves their enduring love of MCC.
The owners of Nitida wine farm – Bernhard and Peta Veller – named this bubbly in honour of Peta’s mom, who helped them buy the farm and always supported their wine-making endeavours.
The Dracks tempts your taste buds with fresh highlights of chai biscotti and apple strudel and is available for purchase on the Nitida website at R140 per bottle. Visit the website to order your bottles now and keep in mind that mixed cases are also acceptable.
Plaisir de Merle
Cultivated on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains and crafted from two noble varieties (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) the Plaisir De Merle Grand Brut is an elegant and distinctive MCC.
Pair with freshly-shucked oysters for an exotic treat or just savour it – sip for sip – with no distractions.
Visit the Plaisir de Merle website for more details about their 2014 Grand Brut.
Alternatively…
If you could do with some bubbles in your life, but might be a little strapped for cash, you could always opt for the Ovation Spumanté by Diemersfontein.
Semi-sweet, with a light sparkle on the palate, this wine is a delightful and fun addition to any celebration of love. Plus, it only costs R55.
Visit the Diemersfontein website to find out more or buy it online.
What will you be drinking this Valentine’s weekend?
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