I’ll be celebrating New Year’s Eve in Melbourne this year, which is great because eight hours after Australia counts down to 2016, I’ll be able to celebrate again as South Africa heads into the new year. One year I was at a bar in Austria and we must have celebrated New Year’s about 6 times with people from all over the world. It was awesome.
If you’re going to be celebrating in South Africa, allow me to suggest a few of the best local bubblies to pop in the lead-up to the clock striking midnight. With so many amazing South African Methode Cap Classique wines to choose from, there’s no need to spend a fortune on French Champagne – ours is just as good (better, if you ask me) and you’ll be supporting the local industry.
1. JC Le Roux Scintilla
R180,00
You probably know JC Le Roux for their sugary sweet range of bubblies, but their MCC is another story altogether. It’s everything you want an MCC to be.
Tasting notes:
“J.C. Le Roux Scintilla 2008 is a luxuriously smooth, well-balanced and delicate Méthode Cap Classique that explodes with scintillating bubbles and completes The House of J.C. Le Roux Cap Classique range. This exceptional signature J.C. Le Roux Cap Classique has a brilliant golden colour with a dry, soft and elegant palate. The wine displays a rich fruitiness on the nose with integrated baked bread flavours. This vintage will benefit from additional bottle maturation.”
Order it online here: www.makro.co.za/liquor/jc-le-roux-/br-scintilla
2. Babylonstoren Sprankel
R495,00
Proving that they really can do no wrong, Babylonstoren’s new MCC is one of my favourite wines of the year. It’s deliciously rich and festive and the bottle makes the perfect gift – no wrapping required.
Tasting notes:
“Four years after the first harvest, Sprankel – our very own Méthode Cap Classique. Sprankel is a proud blanc de blanc of selected Chardonnay grapes from various vineyards on the farm. Made in the traditional Champagne method over four long years, Sprankel eventually arrived in time for the festive season. Its distinctive packaging by hot artist-designer Peet Pienaar uses a butterfly theme linking to the great garden and the farm’s rich heritage.”
Order it online at www.babylonstoren.com/shop/products/sprankel
3. Black Elephant Vintners
R220,00
This is one of my all-time favourites. Made out in Franschhoek by a small team of passionate winemakers and bottled in a black-on-black masterpiece. This is another one that makes an excellent gift.
Tasting notes:
“A classic blend of Chardonnay (75%) contributing fruit and elegance and Pinot Noir (25%) for complexity and length of flavour. Light yeasty aromas and tones of citrus, fresh picked red apples with rich creamy complexity and cherries on the palate. The exceptionally fine mousse contributes freshness and finesse.”
Order online here: www.shop.bevintners.co.za/products/black-elephant-vintners-brut-mcc
4. Genevieve MCC
R168,00
Genevieve MCC is inspired by the creator’s passion for good quality Méthode Cap Classique. Founder, Melissa Genevieve Nelsen, pursued her passion into the winemaking industry to develop the beautiful Blanc de Blanc MCC we know today. I love wines made by female winemakers – it might be in my head, but I think they have something different about them.
Tasting notes:
“Delicate and generous bubbles with crisp aromas of lime blossom and hints of minerals. Fresh and supple upon entry with rounded and expressive flavours of pear and brioche lending to a lingering finish.”
Order it online here: www.buywine.co.za/product/genevieve-mcc-blanc-de-blancs
5. Spier MCC
R109,00
Spier might be known for their major labels, but it’s there small labels like the Frans K. Smit range and this MCC that really shine.
Tasting notes:
“Green apple and subtle raspberry flavors with a hint of lime on the nose. These flavours are echoed on the smooth creamy palate and a fresh aftertaste adds to the attraction.”
Order it online here: www.store.spierwines.co.za/method-cap-classique-brut
6. Krone Rose MCC
R90,00
One of South Africa’s top MCC’s, Krone is always a crowd pleaser. A very fine mousse that bubbles on your tongue and brings the festive spirit to any day.
Tasting notes:
“Refreshing and uplifting with delicate pomegranate and red apple notes. Elegant with a fine, creamy mousse.”
Find it in any liquor store or Checkers.
