Quick 6 for #CapClassiqueDay

A quick pick of 6 Cap Classique's that are up for drinking this #CapClassiqueDay - 1 September 2021!

This year, we are celebrating 50 years of Cap Classique! From modest beginnings to becoming one of SA's leading wine sectors.

It was only in 1971 when Frans Malan, owner of Simonsig Estate in Stellenbosch, from that harvest made the 1st natural bottle fermented sparkling wine in SA using Chenin Blanc. It was in 1973 that the first Cap Classique was released "Kaapse Vonkel" by Simonsig. Today there are over 250 SA producers in the Cape winelands that have a Cap Classique under their label. 

Moving from Chenin Blanc, nowadays - majority of Cap Classiques are made using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier, and range from 12 to 60 or more months lees contact.

My quick pick - (In no specific order.)

1. JC Le Roux Brut
Not something that you would easily find, JC Le Roux now only produce the Scintilla Cap Classique, which is just an interesting bottle from this producer that is more well known for producing Sparkling Wines. 

2. Steenberg 1682 Pinot Noir Brut

A firm favourite that never disappoints - there is always a bottle or 3 in my house; you know - just in case you get that urge for a glass on a Wednesday eve. Fresh, crisp & full of flavour with a beautiful lingering aftertaste. 

3. Krone 2016 Kaaimansgat Blanc De Blancs

Something I recently tried - I must say, the Chardonnay grown in Kaaimansgat proves that the terroir plays a big role in the development of the unique characteristics of the varietal. A big yes for this one from me. 

4. L'Ormanrins 2013 Blanc De Blancs

Perfectly paired with fresh Luderitz oysters on a hot summer day! Always on point and refreshing. 

5. La Motte 2013 Vintage

This baby holds a special place in my heart & it's really where my love for bubbly developed. Unique flavours & aroma's alongside a texture like no other. 

6. Wildekrans 2016 Brut Rosé

The wild card in the pack. Rose petals & strawberries, with a creamy finish & fine mousse. A delightful candy floss finish. 

There are so many more options to choose from, so best you make a move & pop a bottle of bubbly in celebration of 50 years. Share your #CapClassiqueDay moment with us on social media. 

Krone 2016 Kaaimansgat Blanc De Blancs

It's #CapClassiqueDay & I'm celebrating with something rather special - the new Krone 2016 Kaaimansgat Blanc De Blancs. A single-vineyard terroir-specific vintage cuvée, has been awarded double gold with a score of 93 at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge 2021 and was inspired by the #Champagne movement & is a terroir-driven #BlancDeBlancs, made in a natural style in small batches.

Sculpted by the vintage, it expresses the distinctive character of the iconic 33-year-old high-altitude Kaaimansgat (Crocodile’s Lair) #Chardonnay vineyard near #Villiersdorp. A site of extremes; the old vines, unirrigated, are located 700m above sea level on the steep foothills of the mountain, deep inside a blind valley in the cool-climate Elandskloof ward in the Overberg.

On the nose; sour dough, biscotti & a hint of smoky toast. The palate is fresh, lively with a fresh apple & white pear notes. Lively & youthful with a slight nutty note on the finish. Complex & rich with a lingering acidity on the aftertaste. With some food; the nature of these bubbles calls for authentic food of the highest simplicity.

Shellfish, baked oysters, whole trout grilled on a cedar-plank, pork cheeks with caramelised apples; T-bone accompanied by foraged mushrooms; Dalewood Huguenot soufflé; whole cauliflower roasted in terracotta; #CapClassique poached pears with clotted cream. (The list is endless!)

Distinctively packaged in a jet-black bottle with matching gift box, it is available for purchase at the estate or online.

Time to Celebrate #CapClassiqueDay

Even though we're all still under National Lockdown & with the current restrictions on getting your hands on some bubbles, on 1 September 2020, it's time to celebrate the 2nd #CapClassiqueDay! So we decided to share some more #PerfectedByTime moments & thoughts ahead of time, so that you can start planning your own way to celebrate. (Hopefully with a bottle of bubbles that you've been saving in the back of the cupboard for some worthy celebration.)

A rather new addition to the yearly wine calendar, this initiative was started in 2019 by the Cap Classique Producers Association (CCPA). The #CapClassiqueDay has a rather simple purpose - 'to encourage people from different walks of life to unite their passion & love for bubbly.'

Did you know that the 1st bottle of Cap Classique was produced by Simonsig back in 1971, which means that next year, we will be celebrating 50 years of Cap Classique! An art truly #PerfectedByTime, taking a minimum of 9 months to produce a single bottle, means that most of the bottles of Cap Classique we will be celebrating with next, have already been bottled & are waiting for the date.

Check out Cap Classique Producers' Association here - www.capclassique.co.za

In celebration of #CapClassiqueDay & we've teamed up with the Cap Classique Association & will be giving away a mixed case of MCC consisting of:

- Alleé Bleue Brut Rose 2012
- Boschendal Brut Rose NV
- Krone Vintage Cuvee Brut 2013
- Graham Beck Brut NV
- Van Loveren MCC Brut Limited NV
- Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut 2009

How to enter:
1. Follow As Seen By Lloyd & the Cap Classique Association on Facebook.
2. Share the Competition Post using #CapClassiqueDay & #PerfectedByTime
3. Tag a few friends in the comments on the Competition Post.
4. Additional entries on Instagram & Twitter. 

T&C's apply

NB - Delivery of wine will only take place once allowed in terms of Government National Lockdown Regulations.