Südafrikanische Schaumweine (MCCs)
Sparkling wine - What exactly is sparkling wine?
Sparkling wine, also Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), has been produced in South Africa since 1971. The method of production is based on the champagne method from France. Just as with champagne Méthode Cap Classique wines undergo a second fermentation in the bottle.
Strict regulations also apply to the production of MCCS in South Africa. Among other things, the regulations govern the ageing of the base wines as well as storage and bottle fermentation. With regard to the grape varieties, however, the winemakers are not bound to the typical Champagne grape varieties.
Sparkling wine - origin and history
The most famous Sparkling wine growing regions of the world are located in France, Spain, Italy, Germany and South Africa. France, with its locally produced champagnes, is considered the benchmark for the sparkling wine industry worldwide. But South Africa can also boast of its Sparkling wineschampagne produced according to the Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) style. Many Sparkling Wines from South Africa can compete very well with the quality from France. One of the best known MCC wineries in South Africa is Graham Beckwhich, thanks to the Cap Classique Brut has managed to be perceived all over the world as a very good champagne alternative.
Sparkling wine - smell and taste
Often has Sparkling wine has similar aromas to White wine sparkling wine. The aromas range from citrus to pear to caramel and depend mainly on the grape variety used. Unlike many white wines, where the wine is separated from the yeast, sparkling wines age for some time in contact with the yeast. Thus, sparkling winesoften acquire a slight yeast flavour and therefore a special character.
Sparkling wine from South Africa
The counterpart to Champagne from France is the Méthode Cap Classique (MCC)in South Africa. This method uses the traditional way of making sparkling wine, also called the Champagne method. The MCC wines are known throughout the world for their outstanding quality. The first MCC in South Africa was created by the Simonsig winery with the Kaapse Vonkel Brut.
Often for Méthode Cap Classique the typical Champagne grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. However, not only the traditional Champagne grape varieties are used but also typical South African grape varieties such as Chenin Blanc. The worldwide known winery Delaire Graff was the first winery to produce a MCC Sparkling wine from the grape variety Chenin Blanc grape variety.
South African white wines - Online order in the shop
The MCC Brut Rosé from the winery Graham Beck or the Pierre Jourdan MCC Brut from the winery Haute Cabrièrebelong to the classics from South Africa. Also very special Sparkling wines like the MCC Chenin Blanc from the winery Wildekrans delight wine lovers all over the world.
In our Online shop you will find a large selection of South African sparkling wines from different wineries. The WineStore (www.the-winestore.com) makes it very easy and reliable to order Sparkling wines from South Africa.
