South Africa produces some incredible sparkling wines and Methode Cap Classiques (MCC) – and while we can’t call them ‘champagne’ by definition, South African MCCs and sparkling wines are just as wonderful and are perfect for celebrations, and toasting to important events and milestones along life’s journey.
We’ve collected South Africa’s best MCCs, cuvees and sparkling wines to help you commemorate your next celebration in the right way.
BEST SOUTH AFRICAN MCCs
- Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosè
- Le Lude MCC Brut MCC
- Graham Beck Brut Rosè NV
- Miss Molly MCC
- Geneviève MCC Blanc de Blanc Brut
- Steenberg Brut 1682 Sparkling Pinot Noir MCC
- Crystallum Cuvee Cinema Pinot Noir
- House of Bonang Brut MCC
- Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut
- Boschendal Brut Rosè MCC
- Silverthorn MCC The Green Man 2017
- Silverthorn MCC The Genie
- Krone Boreallis Cuvee Brut 2018 MCC
- L’Ormarins Brut Rosè
- Domaine Des Dieux Rosè Of Sharon Brut Rosè MCC
BEST SOUTH AFRICAN SPARKLING WINES
What’s the difference between Champagne, Sparkling Wine and MCC?
What is sparkling wine?
Sparkling wine is a general term applied to any wine with high levels of carbon dioxide making it bubbly or effervescent. If this occurs through secondary fermentation it would be an MCC or Champagne, and if carbon dioxide is added during bottling we would simply call it sparkling wine.
What is champagne?
The word Champagne can only be used on a label if the sparkling wine is produced using the grapes grown and harvested from the Champagne region in France and processed using méthode champenoise methodology that carries a rich tradition in the region. This includes secondary fermentation in the bottle to create carbonation and the bubbles associated with sparkling wine.
What is MCC and how does it differ from champagne?
MCC, known as Methode Cap Classique, is the label used when a sparkling wine is created in regions outside of the Champagne region in France, such as in South Africa or Spain, using the traditional French champagne method (methode champenoise). As for Champagne, the bubbles in MCC come from a second fermentation in the bottle which produces carbon dioxide.
Brut vs Sec vs Demi-sec vs Doux
These are the French terms used to describe the sweetness or sugar content of a sparkling wine.
A Brut wine is quite dry and will be a crisp and refreshing wine with less than 12 g/l of sugar. For a Sec wine the sugar content will be between 17 and 32 g/l resulting in a sweeter wine. Demi-sec is quite a sweet wine with between 32 and 50 g/l of sugar with Doux wines being the sweetest at over 50g/l.
BEST SOUTH AFRICAN MCCs
If you’re looking to celebrate, SA’s MCCs and their beautiful bubbles are the perfect choice for celebrating and commemorating life’s special moments with family and friends.
Whether you prefer South African sparkling wines, sparkling rosèé, sauvignon blancs and chardonnays, or would rather enjoy a methode cap classique – we have everything you’ll need to find the perfect drink to celebrate your next special occasion, below!
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosè
This vibrant sparkling rosè is full-bodied with sweet aromatic notes and hints of raspberries. Its flavour profile is crisp, sweet and refreshing and with notes of strawberry and white peaches.
Simonsig’s Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosè is produced using 76% pinot noir and 24% Pinotage grapes grown and harvested in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.
This brut rosè with its bright salmon colour pairs well with seafood dishes, and after-dinner treats such as light fruit desserts.
AWARDS
Double Gold – Rosè Rocks 2019.
Le Lude Brut NV MCC
The Brut NV is a classic blend of 91% Chardonnay and 9% Pinot Noir. The wine is matured for a minimum of 36 months on the lees before degorgement, and a further 6 months on the cork before release.
Le Lude is the first winery in South Africa to produce using the Agrafe – Tirage Liège method. This wine production method means the wine is fermented under cork instead of a crown cap – which experts say benefits the aroma profile and texture characteristics of the wine.
The nose is pale silver-pink, with an aroma profile consisting of raspberries, cherries and a few secondary hints of minerality.
Its palate is composed of red berry flavours enlivened by bright acids. Brisk on the palate, showing hints of oyster shell and fresh lavender.
Le Lude Brut NV MCC is a popular Methode Cap Classique that pairs beautifully with shrimp and shellfish, smoked salmon, caviar, fried calamari, and oysters.
AWARDS
Silver (90 Points) at 2019 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA)
Graham Beck Brut Rosè NV
Graham Beck Brut Rosè NV (non-vintage) is an exuberant sparkling rosè wine produced using traditional distilling methods, and classic Methode Cap Classique Pinot Noir and chardonnay base wines.
This blush wine has a distinctive silver-pink hue, which is created during the enzymatic reaction during the transportation of the pinot noir fruit to the Graham Beck cellars.
Its palate is fine, with a brisk mousse and a flavour profile with hints of oyster shells, fresh lavender and subtle hints of berry and cherry.
AWARDS
Platter 2018: 4 Stars.
Tim Atkin Master of Wine 2017: 93 points.
Veritas 2015: Gold Medal.
The Sommelier Selection 2015: House Wine Bubbles: Trophy Winner.
L'Ormarins Brut Rosè
L’ Ormarins Brut Rosè is a delicate sparkling wine consisting of grapes cultivated in the Overberg region, consisting of 76% pinot noir, 24% chardonnay grapes. L’ Ormarins Brut Rosè is vibrant and lively with crisp strawberry and raspberry flavours with a touch of tartness, ruby grapefruit and lime zest flavour balancing the berries.
Its aroma profile features gentle berry notes on the nose with a slight cream and biscuit nuance. The mousse is lively and vigorous.
L’Ormarins Brut Rosè pairs well with veal, pork, game, rich fish, veggies and poultry.
AWARDS
Best Rosè in Amorim’s Cap Classique Challenge
3.5 stars by platter’s guide
Miss Molly MCC
Miss Molly MCC is produced using 83% Chardonnay and 17% Chenin blanc grapes, grown and harvested in the Franschhoek Valley.
This MCC has an aromatic profile consisting of mainly citrus flavours, with notes of lemon and lime, pineapples, honey/marmalade with hints of chestnuts. On the palate, you can expect crunchy apple and nectarine flavours.
Miss Molly MCC is great to pair with pork, rich fish, vegetarian, and poultry.
AWARDS
Platter 4 Stars
Geneviève MCC Blanc de Blanc Brut
Geneviève MCC Blanc de Blanc Brut was created using 100% Chardonnay grapes grown and harvested in Bot River, Overberg, in the Western Cape.
Geneviève MCC Blanc de Blanc Brut exhibits a balanced palate of flavours including honey and brioche notes. On the nose, Genevieve is crisp, with notes of lime blossom, white peaches, and stone fruit.
This MCC pairs well with mushroom souffle, butternut squash ravioli and seafood dishes.
AWARDS
Top 10 – 2020 Winemag MCC Report
STEENBERG BRUT 1682 PINOT NOIR
The wine has a very fine mousse that lifts the raspberry-like aromas inside this delicate sparkling pinot noir. Steenberg Brut Sparkling Pinot Noir is well-balanced with a creamy texture and bright acidity with a lingering dry finish.
The grapes used to craft this traditional Methode Cap Classique (MCC) are hand-picked at low sugar levels of 18.5 – 19º balling and are whole bunch pressed. These Steenberg grapes are low in phenols, high in natural acidity with a delicate pink colour and fine strawberry flavour.
This wine can be consumed in its youth or cellared for 3-5 years to enjoy this wine with an enhanced savoury flavour palate.
House of Bonang Brut MCC
The wine has a very fine mousse that lifts the raspberry-like aromas inside this delicate sparkling pinot noir. Steenberg Brut Sparkling Pinot Noir is well-balanced with a creamy texture and bright acidity with a lingering dry finish.
The grapes used to craft this traditional Methode Cap Classique (MCC) are hand-picked at low sugar levels of 18.5 – 19º balling and are whole bunch pressed. These Steenberg grapes are low in phenols, high in natural acidity with a delicate pink colour and fine strawberry flavour.
This wine can be consumed in its youth or cellared for 3-5 years to enjoy this wine with an enhanced savoury flavour palate.
Boschendal Grande Cuvee Brut
The Boschendal Grande Cuvee is produced using grapes grown and harvested from top quality vineyards in the Western Cape, consisting of a 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay split.
The aromas are bright with strong hints of apple, while on the palate there are citrus notes (such as fresh green apples) with underlying biscotti and brioche flavours. On the palate, this 2013 Grand Cuvee is full bodied and creamy.
Hint! This cuvee is said to pair well with smoked salmon.
AWARDS
Winner at the 2017 Veritas awards
BOSCHENDAL BRUT ROSE MCC
The Boschendal Brut Rose is produced using grapes grown and harvested from top quality vineyards in the Western Cape, consisting of a 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay split.
The aromas are bright with strong hints of apple, while on the palate there are citrus notes (such as fresh green apples) with underlying biscotti and brioche flavours. On the palate, this 2013 Grand Cuvee is full bodied and creamy.
Hint! This cuvee is said to pair well with smoked salmon.
AWARDS
Winner at the 2017 Veritas awards
Silverthorn MCC The Green Man 2017
Vibrant green/yellow hue – a fine twirling bead of bubbles. Fresh aromas of green apple and acacia blossom backed up by subtle hints of minerality and whiffs of freshly baked brioche. Well balanced with an elegant structure, fine mousse which imparts a gentle explosion of bubbles on the palate and a long finish.
The grapes used to create this elegant MCC are whole bunch pressed at a very low recovery rate which means that no bitter tannins are extracted.
Silverthorn’s The Green Man MCC pairs beautifully with freshly shucked Namibian oysters, salmon tartar, beluga caviar and blini. It also pairs well with other rich seafood dishes
AWARDS
The Green Man 2017 – 93 points at the 2020 Tim Atkin South Africa Report
Silverthorn MCC The Genie
Silverthorn’s The Genie MCC is made using shiraz grapes harvested in mid-February in the early hours of the morning. The shiraz grapes are whole bunch pressed at a very low recovery rate to ensure no bitter tannins are extracted.
The Genie is an MCC with a salmon pink colour and an exotic aromatic bouquet consisting of Turkish delight and rosè water. The flavour profile consists of fresh raspberries and sherbet flavours supported by a velvety texture, fine mousse and lengthy finish.
Silverthorn’s The Genie MCC pairs well with salmon, parma ham and red figs.
AWARDS
The Genie NV – 91 points at the 2020 Tim Atkin South Africa Report
Double gold winner at the 2017 Rosè Rocks Competition
Krone Boreallis Cuvee Brut 2018 MCC
Krone’s 2018 Borealis Cuvee Brut MCC is a salmon pink Cuvee with an elegant floral bouquet with delicate pomegranate and cut red apple.
The Borealis Cuvee MCC has a fine, creamy mousse palate with juicy, rich berry flavours with a smooth dry finish. It consists of 85% Pinot Noir grapes and 15% Chardonnay grapes which are hand-picked when temperatures are cool during nightfall.
Krone’s 2018 Borealis Cuvee Brut MCC pairs well with seafood options, including salmon, squid, prawns as well cold meats such as parma ham and prosciutto.
AWARDS
2019 Veritas wine Awards – Silver
Domaine Des Dieux Rosè Of Sharon Brut Rosè MCC
Domaine Des Dieux Rosè of Sharon Brut Rosè consists of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay Brut Rosè and is produced using the Saignee method to achieve its soft pink colour.
This sparkling wine is cool-fermented in steel vats to preserve delicate fruit flavours, followed by 48-month bottle ageing on its lees. The mousse is fine and soft with a rich generous crisp bite. The flavours include notes of strawberry, black cherry, raspberry, and subtle hints of rosè water.
Domaine Des Dieux Rosè of Sharon Brut Rosè is a great food wine and aperitif. It pairs well with specific cheeses and charcuterie.
AWARDS
John Platters – 4 stars ; Tim Atkin MW – 92 points ; Rosè Rocks – Gold ; Amorim Cap Classique Challenge – Gold.
Best South African Sparkling Wines
Find the best sparkling wines produced in South Africa, with different types of grapes harvested from top vineyards around the Western Cape, including sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, white muscadel and chardonnay grapes.
Check out some stunning sparkling wines below!
JC Le Roux Le Domaine
JC Le Roux’s Le Domaine is crafted using 80% Sauvignon Blanc grapes and 20% White Muscadel grapes which provide Le Domaine with unique flavours, aromas and complexity. These grapes are sourced from established vineyards in the Western Cape region.
This sparkling wine has bright flavours, crisp hints and a gentle sweetness. The aromatic profile includes elements of litchi, pineapple and granadilla.
JC Le Roux’s Le Domaine is beautifully balanced and dry, with a low alcohol content (7.5%). It pairs well with brandy puddings and traditional Thai chicken curry.
AWARDS
2013 International Wine and Spirit Competition – Silver
Find more of the Best South African Sparkling Wines & Methode Cap Classiques (MCCs)
We stock some of the best sparkling wines and MCCs made in South Africa, produced using grapes grown and harvested in the Western Cape. We also stock top champagnes, like Moet Chandon, Dom Perignon and Louis Roederer.
We also stock the best South African gins, wines, beers & ciders, whiskies, vodkas, rums as well as top cognacs.
Find the perfect gift, or the ideal drink to celebrate a special occasion with your family and friends. To learn more check out the drink categories in our shop!