10 Exotic South African Sparkling Wines & MCCs (2024)

South Africa is home to some of the liveliest sparkling wines. 

The finest of them all is the Methode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wine that is made using the traditional method (the way Champagne is made.)

Let’s explore all about South African sparkling wine - wine styles, the exceptional MCC wines, and 10 delicious bottles. Also, discover how to serve these sparklers.

A Quick Intro to South African Sparkling Wine

Most South African sparkling wines are tank-fermented low-priced wines, injected with carbon dioxide before bottling. These wines are easy-drinking and lack complexity.

It is the finer Methode Cap Classique (MCC) sparklers that are reputed for their complexity and seductive flavors. 

What Is Methode Cap Classique?

The Methode Cap Classique is a sparkling wine production method and the term used to address the South African sparklers made from it. Methode Cap Classique follows the same process as “Methode Champenoise” where the secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle. 

The winemaker adds base wine, yeast, and sugar to a bottle and cork it. The yeast eats up the sugar which creates carbon dioxide, producing fine bubbles in the wine. The wine must be aged for 9 months on lees. 

To remove the lees, the winemaker freezes the wine bottle in a cold brine bath. The pressure forces the lees out.

Even though all grape varieties are allowed in the production of MCC wines, most winemakers stick to the classic Champagne blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.

Bottles produced with this method have “Methode Cap Classique” on their label.

This term was adopted in 1922 when “Champagne” and “Champenoise” were reserved for the French sparklers, preventing other regions from using them.

But how does a Methode Cap Classique wine differ from Champagne?

The Difference Between MCC And Champagne

Here are the main differences between MCC and Champagne.

• While Champagne hails from the prestigious Champagne region of France, MCC wines are produced across South Africa.
• Champagne must age for at least 15 months (for non-vintages) and 3 years (for vintage cuvees), while MCC wines have a minimum aging requirement of 9 months.
• hampagne regulations only allow seven grapes in the wine production (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Arbane, and Petit Meslier.) On the other hand, MCC wines can be produced from any grape variety or blend.

10 Delicious South African Sparkling Wines To Buy In 2024

These 10 brilliant sparklers and Cap Classique wines are perfect for your next celebration.

• Wildehurst Wines MCC - Methode Cap Classique Chardonnay, Swartland
• 2015 Moreson Miss Molly Bubbly MCC - Methode Cap Classique, Franschhoek Valley
• Nederburg Premiere Cuvee Sparkling Brut, Western Cape
• KWV Pearly Bay Celebration Sparkling White, Western Cape
• Steenberg Vineyards Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, Constantia
• Graham Beck Brut Rose MCC - Methode Cap Classique, Robertson
• Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut MCC - Methode Cap Classique, Stellenbosch
• J.C. Le Roux La Chanson, Stellenbosch
• Krone 'Borealis Cuvee Brut' MCC - Methode Cap Classique, Tulbagh
• Graham Beck Brut MCC - Methode Cap Classique, Robertso

1. Wildehurst Wines MCC - Methode Cap Classique Chardonnay, Swartland ($15)

This Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc white wine have zesty lemon, white flower, and honeysuckle aromas. The palate showcases fresh acidity with a coarse fizz.

2. 2015 Moreson Miss Molly Bubbly MCC - Methode Cap Classique, Franschhoek Valley ($28)

This 100% Chardonnay white wine has intense fruit notes of citrus, red apple, and pear on the nose. The palate has a remarkably dry finish.

3. Nederburg Premiere Cuvee Sparkling Brut, Western Cape ($9)

This clear sparkler has a delicate fruitiness on the nose with a crisp, fresh, and lingering finish on the palate.

4. KWV Pearly Bay Celebration Sparkling White, Western Cape ($9)

This sparkling wine has upfront tropical fruit aromas. The wine is soft and smooth on the palate with a sweet, lingering finish.

5. Steenberg Vineyards Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, Constantia ($14)

This Sauvignon Blanc bubbly has intense granadilla, melons, and lime aromas. The palate is light and smooth with zippy acidity and refreshing fizz.

6. Graham Beck Brut Rose MCC - Methode Cap Classique, Robertson ($19)

This sparkling rose has enticing raspberry, cherry, and mousse aromas. The palate displays red berry flavour and bright acidity. 

7. Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut MCC - Methode Cap Classique, Stellenbosch ($15)

This MCC displays the aroma of white peach, red apple, and pear. On the palate, the stone fruit flavour beautifully complements the crisp acidity.

8. J.C. Le Roux La Chanson, Stellenbosch ($9)

This Pinotage, Shiraz, and Cabernet Franc wine has a lively nose of strawberry and plum. 

9. Krone 'Borealis Cuvee Brut' MCC - Methode Cap Classique, Tulbagh ($18)

Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, Krone 'Borealis Cuvee Brut' displays a salmon pink color with an elegant, floral bouquet. The palate displays a fine, creamy mousse with a bone-dry finish.

10. Graham Beck Brut MCC - Methode Cap Classique, Robertson ($18)

This Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wine has tiny bubbles, green apple, and citrus fruit aroma, creamy lees, and a tangy finish.

How To Serve South African Sparkling Wine

Serve a sparkling South African wine in a Champagne flute at 6oC-8oC to encourage slow release of bubbles.

You can serve it as an aperitif or pair it with seafood like oysters and fish. It also pairs well with desserts.

South African Sparkling Wine Styles

Cap Classique wines can be brut, sec, and demi-sec. It is produced in these three main styles:

• Blanc de Blancs: Blanc de Blancs is a white sparkling wine made from white grape varieties, particularly Chardonnay. They have intense citrus and fruit notes.
• Blanc de Noir: Blanc de Noir are white sparkling wines produced from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier red wine grapes. They have strong red fruit notes.
• Rose Wines: Rose Cap Classique wines have a beautiful salmon pink color, usually resulting from a blend of red Pinot Noir wine and white Chardonnay.

South African sparkling wines are also produced as varietal wines from a wide range of grapes like Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. 

You can also find some unconventional blends like Pinotage and Chardonnay and Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.

Get A Bottle Of Delicious South African Sparkling Wine!

A tangy and fruity South African sparkling wine is the perfect addition to your next dinner party. 

However, if you’re looking to invest in a fine bubbly, then there are a few finer sparklers, like Champagne. 

Visit the Vinovest website to discover everything about investing in a fine Champagne, Cabernet Sauvignon or any other fine wine bottle from a prestigious winery.