The 1st of September is #CapClassiqueDay and the first day of Spring. A sparkling celebration is definitely in order. Cap Classique is enjoyed at breakfast, lunch and dinner and even in cocktails, no matter the occasion, arguably making it the most versatile of wines. Celebrate the day in style with these local favourites:
Tokara’s glorious 2014 vintage: The extraordinary depth of flavour, elegance and complexity of the 2014 vintage can be attributed to barrel maturation of the base wine for 10 months followed by almost eight years (82 months) on the lees in the bottle to develop richness and finesse. The mousse is exceptionally fine and consistent, enlivened by aromas of lightly toasted almonds, lemon preserve and a hint of fresh green apple. These zesty aromas are enriched on the palate by freshly baked gougères. Hints of celery salt lead to a focused saline finish, so typical of the Elgin terroir. Available at selected wine shops and the Tokara Tasting Lounge at the cellar door price of R685. For online purchases, visit www.tokara.com.
PLAISIR Grand Brut 2018: A clean flintiness on the palate with delicate yeasty tones, layers of lemon, citrus, brioche, crisp green apple and a well integrated mousse.Enjoy with oysters, scallops and seafood platters. Stars well on its ow when served chilled and will add pleasure and enjoyment to any occasion. Available for R210 a bottle
Krone Vintage Rosé Cuvée Brut 2020: Like walking into a secret garden, the nose is fragrant and lush, aromatics of wild berries, climbing strawberry vines and the persistent undertone of night lily open to the moon. Grounding this ethereal bouquet is the mineral scent of moist clay. On entry to the palate, waves of cleansing citrus, blood orange and mandarin coalesce to a bright-fruited core of raspberries, strawberries, cranberries and white peach. The acidity is a keen line across the palate, displaying the great tension imbued by the high diurnal swings of the Tulbagh region, only amplified by the inherent freshness of the 2020 vintage. This saline sapidity runs right through complementing the textural creaminess of the lees, a counterpoint to the diaphanous mousse as the wine tapers off into a dry, strawberry-kissed finish. Available nationally at select liquor retailers and grocers for R190 per 750ml bottle.
Steenberg Lady R, 2017: Aromatically, this wine shows hints of red apple skin, desiccated coconut, raspberry pie, almond paste, citrus biscuits and savoury dried herbs. The creaminess on the palate is complemented by the subtle and refreshing acidity of the wine. There’s a salinity that carries through on the palate alongside restrained pear and cinnamon spiciness. Lady R’s effervescence shows finesse with elegantly fine bubbles that contribute to the overall texture of the wine. Steenberg Lady R 2017 is available at the cellar door price of R540
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