WORDS: Alma Viviers
VISI pops the corks of some of SA’s finest bubblies…
Colmant
Colmant imports exceptional Champagnes including House of Tribaut, Mailly Grand Cru and Follet-Ramillon, and is now also producing its very own Cap Classique wines exclusively from the traditional varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Colmant Brut Tradition is a 52% Pinot Noir, 48% Chardonnay blend with a subtle pale gold colour, and the Colmant Brut Rosé is 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay with a lovely salmon pink colour.
Krone
The House of Krone, Twee Jonge Gezellen, is launching its latest bubbly in honour of a true pioneer in the South African wine industry, the late Nicolas Charles Krone. The Nicolas Charles Krone Marque 1 exemplifies the vintner’s art and precision. It is elegant and complex, boasting a classic biscuit bouquet with less creaminess and fine, continuous bubbles.
Pongrácz
Pongrácz, the renowned Méthode Cap Classique inspired by charismatic Hungarian aristocrat, Desiderius Pongrácz, is packaged in a stylish gift pack this festive season. Known as one of South Africa’s favourites, it recently won a gold medal at the 2008 Michelangelo International Wine competition and clinched the Méthode Cap Classique Trophy at this year’s South African Airways Wine Awards.
JC le Roux
The House of JC le Roux was the first producer to scoop the prestigious WINE magazine Amorim Cap Classique Challenge with a rosé – the JC le Roux Pinot Noir Rosé 2006. This lively salmon-pink Cap Classique was also awarded a gold medal at the 2008 Michelangelo International Wine competition. It shows the perfect balance between freshness and maturity.
Groote Post
Groote Post Vineyards is releasing The Old Man’s Sparkle Méthode Cap Classique countrywide in time for the festive season. A small batch, made last year, was previously only sold at the cellar but now everyone will have the chance to buy it. The Old Man’s Sparkle is produced from 100% Merlot, which achieves a specific smoothness and suppleness at Groote Post.
The Chase
The Canadian-born owner of The Chase, Richard West, has unveiled his first vintages: The Chase Shiraz 2006 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.
KWV Roodeberg
The new Roodeberg white blend is a vibrant, modern, full-bodied blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and the “cellarmaster’s secret”.
Peter Falke
Peter Falke winemaker, Tertius Naudé, has released his first collection. The Signature range comprises a Sauvignon Blanc 2007 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, while the PF range includes a Blanc de Noir 2007, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2003.
Art House
Juno has launched its new premium ArtHouse range with two wines: Shiraz with a touch of Mourvèdre and Chardonnay with a touch of Viognier. Simonsig Simonsig has released the Veritas Double Gold 2002 vintage of its renowned Tiara, a classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Zonnebloem LTD Edition
Zonnebloem has released a brand-new threesome in its Limited Edition range. This year the range consists of a Sémillon, a Sauvignon Blanc of the 2008 vintage and the 2007 Shiraz.
