PHOTOS Travys Owen
Harvested under the stars, Krone’s new Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs 2018 is the epitome of Cap Classique romance and style, from the design of its bottle to the production methods.
Something as spontaneous as popping open a bottle takes just seconds in the joie de vivre of a celebration or momentous occasion. But what’s inside each of those bottles takes a lot more thought and careful consideration. Krone Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs 2018 glorifies the Chardonnay grape, harvested at night in cool, quiet conditions that let the flavours of the cultivar shine like the stars they are picked under. Crafted at Twee Jonge Gezellen, Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs is the first Cap Classique of this kind produced on South African soil.
The terroir of Tulbagh comes into play when making the bubbly. Site-specific rocky soil, the rainfall, wind and sun direction add to the creation of something special. First, the wine is naturally fermented in foudres from free-run juice; it is then bottle-fermented, maturing on the lees for up to 36 months in the cool, dark underground cellar where the magic takes place.
The last step in the process is a final dosage for balance, to uplift the natural acidity of this one-of-a-kind bubbly. The elegance of Night Nectar and the careful fermentation process allow every bottle to be enjoyed immediately – or aged further in its oh-so-stylish black bottle, to develop even more complexity and flavour.
Adding to the unique nature of Night Nectar, Krone teamed up with radio and TV personality Luthando Shosha as the face and ambassador of the launch campaign. “With Luthando as a creative force and collaborator, our partnership defies gravity,” says Krone’s marketing director Abigail Rands about the collaboration. “We bring the best of what we do, and she brings the best of what she does. Nothing escapes. No detail is too insignificant, no idea too outlandish. It’s an absolute joy and honour.”
Luthando believes in representing the luxurious side of life. “In this partnership, we believe in organic, authentic connections – and ours has been exactly that. The brief for the imagery was inspired by the idea of being a protagonist, being in the lead in the past, present and future. It was also important that we include elements of my Xhosa culture in the campaign images.
“What I love about Krone is the brand’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence. It’s a brand that does what it says it will, and walks alongside you on your journey in the most authentic way. I can’t wait for everyone to taste the divine experience that is Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs. You’ll fall in love!”
Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs 2018 is available via the Krone Cap Classique website, and at select restaurants, venues and retail partners.
For more information, visit kronecapclassique.co.za
Tasting notes
The Krone Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs 2018 is an expression of the purity of the Chardonnay grape. This elegant, long-lived Cap Classique is made from night-harvested Chardonnay, and is naturally fermented in foudres before being crafted in a classic bottle-fermented style. Krone Night Nectar Blanc de Blancs 2018 embodies the spirit of Krone, and will develop further in the bottle as it ages.
What to expect on the palate
Stony pale lemon, baked yellow apple, orange zest, dessert peach and cinnamon are rounded off with the spices of Alpine herbs, sage and white blossom. The complex bouquet shows swirls of dulce de leche and salty sea spray, with touches of autumn leaf. The palate has a gossamer-light, creamy mousse and rounded mouthfeel, which envelops a core of pure peachy fruit. A characteristic of the 2018 growing season, the bright, linear acidity is in balance with the subtle, elegant richness, allowing this fine vintage-only Cap Classique to linger on the palate with a citrussy, nutty finish. Share it with friends over a platter of freshly shucked oysters for the ultimate evening indulgence!
