History and Naming Convention:
Once a upon time, the area of France known as Champagne put into law via their controlling body, CIVC, that no other sparkling wine made outside that region could call their bubbly Champagne. This means that even areas of France e.g Bordeaux are not allowed this naming convention. They call their bubbly Crémant.
Cap Classique previously known as Methode Cap Classique (MCC) is South African sparkling wine is made in the same process as Champagne from France.
South Africa’s Cap Classique Producers Association:
According to www.capclassique.co.za, Cap Classique is “The classic method of making sparkling wine by creating a second fermentation in the bottle. The term Cap Classique has been used since 1992 and refers to the finished product – a beautiful sparkling South African wine.” This method is also referred to as Méthode Cap Classique.
Award winning South African Cap Classiques:
The Cap Classique Challenge has been held annually since 2002 and is South Africa’s largest competition awarding and recognising Cap Classique wines.
- KWV Laborie won the Best Producer Overall with the Laborie Blanc de Blancs 2017.
- Laborie also won the trophy for Best Blanc de Blancs
- Domaine des Dieux Claudia 2017 (Best Brut),
- Louisvale MCC Rosé NV (Best Rosé),
- Newstead Blanc de Blanc 2016 (Best Extended Aged Cap Classique for vintages from 2016 and older)
- Darling Cellars Nectar 2020 (Best Nectar)
Cape Wine Academy
The Cape Wine Academy has joined hands with the Cap Classique Association to offer a Level 1 course in Cap Classique https://www.capewineacademy.co.za/cap-classique-academy/
Members of the Cap Classique Association:
Currently there are 54 members in the Cap Classique Association. See list below.