South Africa

Question 1

South Africa

Answer 1

South Africa’s sparkling wine production lies at two ends of a spectrum. At the premium and Traditional method sparkling wines, termed Methode Cap Classique (MCC), are reaching new levels of quality and becoming increasingly popular on both the domestic and export markets. However, at the other end, there is sizeable demand within South Africa for cheaper, easy drinking carbonated sparkling wines, usually made in a simple sweet and fruity style.

Question 2

Location- South Africa

Answer 2

MCC
Mainly Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, increasingly Constantia, Paarl, Robertson

Carbonated
Anywhere

Question 3

Climate- South Africa

Answer 3

Warm mediterranean. Sea breezes cool coastal vineyard sites.

Question 4

Grape Varieties- South Africa

Answer 4

MCC
No restrictions, but the Cap Classique Producers Association recommends Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage are also popular.

Carbonated
No restrictions but Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat are frequently used.

Question 5

Viticulture- South Africa

Answer 5

Where possible grapes are grown on east and south- east facing slopes to benefit from the morning sun while remaining relatively cool during hot afternoons.

Harvesting date is crucial; green unripe flavours may result from early picking, but if the grapes are harvested too late acidity levels may be too low.

Question 6

Winery- South Africa

Answer 6

MCC
Traditional method, minimum 9 months lees ageing.

Carbonated
Sugar levels of the base wines are adjusted before carbonation. The wine is chilled before it is passed through a carbonator and then stored under pressure to allow absorption of CO2.

Question 7

Styles- South Africa

Answer 7

MCC
Styles similar to those found in Champagne, including Prestige Blends. Vintage wines tend to be produced every year, so do not hold the same quality connotations as those in Champagne.

Carbonated
Made in a full range of styles from Extra Brut to Sweet. The wines can be white, pink or red.

Question 8

Important Trade Structures- South Africa

Answer 8

The Cap Classique Producers Association (CCPA) has been created to promote Methode Cap Classique and strives to improve the quality standards of the category.