Summer means warm weather, lazy afternoons by the pool and any excuse to imbibe a sparkling wine-based cocktail.

Add pizzazz to your next get-together by serving cocktails made with the finest bubbles – a true Champagne from the Champagne region in northern France, Spanish Cava, Italian Prosecco, or South Africa’s very own premium sparkling wine Cap Classique. Well-known cocktail options include our brunch favourite, the Mimosa, made with Champagne and freshly squeezed orange juice; the popular French classic Kir Royale, with crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur) and Champagne; and the Bellini, which combines Prosecco with peach purée and vodka.

We spoke to Blessing Maphosa, mixologist and head bartender at Marble restaurant in Rosebank, to get his top tips for the best fizzed-up cocktail. Marble itself does a few options, including two Prosecco-based versions (the Passion Fruit Martini and Bellini Breeze), and the Moët & Chandon Rosé-laced Italian Rose 2.0.

HERE’S WHAT BLESSING SUGGESTS:

If you’re making cocktails, a Brut or extra-dry Champagne or sparkling wine will work best – they contain less sugar.

A good, affordable sparkling wine to use in your cocktails is the Colmant Brut Reserve NV.

Cava and Prosecco are both great, but Cava can be tricky to find in South Africa. For a good Prosecco, I recommend Borgo SanLeo or La Delizia.

My favourite Champagne is Pol Roger NV. Locally, I recommend Graham Beck Brut Rosé Cap Classique.

When concocting a delicious mix, remember that Champagne and sparkling wine pair well with fruit such as citrus, berries and apples, as well as other alcohols – like cognac, Grand Marnier, peach schnapps and gin. Complementary flavours include honey, vanilla and caramel.

In terms of glassware, choose a flute with a long stem and a tall, narrow bowl on top, or the classically stylish “Nick and Nora” glass with a bell-shaped bowl.

To keep the Champagne fizzy in between drinks, store it in the fridge and use a Champagne cork or stopper. Try to avoid temperature changes – and make sure you don’t over-handle the bottle!

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Transform special occasions into luxurious experiences with Villiera’s new Cap Classique Villiera GOLD.

Drawing from Villiera‘s expertise in the traditional bottle fermentation method, the new Cap Classique – Villiera GOLD – sets a new standard with its blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, along with sparkling 22-carat edible gold flakes.

The Villiera GOLD Cap Classique offers a captivating experience with its crisp, fresh essence. It is complemented by delicate notes of citrus and brioche, and the higher dosage enhances the fruit, resulting in a slightly sweeter taste. The Cap Classique is well-balanced with racy acidity, making it a delightful treat for the eyes and the palate.

Villiera GOLD

R2 100 (Case of 6)

Buy Online

The shimmering 22-carat edible gold flakes, suspended like tiny stars within the sparkling wine, create a mesmerising spectacle, turning each pour into a glamorous event.

The packaging reflects Villiera GOLD’s luxury with a sophisticated gold-patterned label, heralding a fusion of innovation and timeless elegance.

The Cap Classique has been crafted with luxury in mind, making it the ideal sparkling wine for any celebratory event. | villiera.com

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Villiera Pearls of Nectar Rosé is a captivating partner to its predecessor, Pearls of Nectar, which made its debut in 2022.

A legacy of Excellence

Villiera has long been recognised as a pioneer in the Cap Classique category. With a rich legacy dating back to 1984, the Grier’s have continually pushed the boundaries of winemaking, creating some of the most captivating Cap Classique wines in the market. In 2022, they introduced Villiera Pearls of Nectar to meet the growing demand for nectar sparkling wine. And now, the evolution continues with the release of Pearls of Nectar Rosé.

The Story of Pearls of Nectar

The name “Pearls of Nectar” was inspired by the magical string of tiny bubbles that gracefully rise in beautiful columns, mirroring the precious pearls of nectar that beckon birds and insects to the many indigenous flowers on Villiera. The iconic sun emblem on the label not only symbolises Villiera’s dedication to harnessing the power of solar energy but also underscores their mission to craft exceptional wines with a minimal ecological footprint.

Unveiling the Rosé Partner

Pearls of Nectar Rosé is the latest chapter in this remarkable journey. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it’s a wine that beautifully complements its predecessor. The colour, a joyful and rich pink, is achieved by adding 2% of a specially prepared red wine made from Pinot Noir to the blend. The result is a sparkling wine that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

A Harmony of Flavours

Villiera Pearls of Nectar Rosé brings together a harmonious blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinotage. The full, rich flavour of Pinot Noir combines with the elegance of Chardonnay and the unique character of Pinotage to create a wine that’s truly one of a kind. The addition of a slightly higher dosage emphasises the fruit profile and ensures a subtly sweeter taste, perfectly balanced by racy acidity.

Versatility in Every Sip

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying with friends, Villiera Pearls of Nectar Rosé is a versatile delight. It pairs exquisitely with desserts, but it’s equally enjoyable on its own.

Pearls of Nectar Rosé will available in the Villiera Online Shop from mid-November and soon thereafter at select retail bottle shops and fine wine retailers. For more information on Villiera wines, please visit villiera.com.

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Summer days are here, so it’s time to stock up with a case or two of Cap Classique. These five fizzes are sure to make a fine addition to your cellar…

Babylonstoren Sprankel

You’ll first love the bottle featuring artwork by Peet Pienaar, but this beauty of a Blanc de Blancs – meaning it’s made from 100% Chardonnay – is brimming with a bouquet of bright apple and biscuity brioche. Serve it at a winelands table, with smoked Franschhoek trout.

R619 | babylonstoren.com

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Delaire Graff Sunrise

A corker of a Cap Classique from this elegant art-filled estate atop the Helshoogte Pass. Winemaker Morné Vrey takes inspiration from the Loire in crafting a supremely elegant wine from Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.

R460 | delaire.co.za

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Tokara Cap Classique 2014

The 4th cuvée of this Blanc de Blancs is crafted from Tokara’s acclaimed cool climate Chardonnay vineyard in Elgin. Barrel maturation of the base wine used in this elixir takes 10 months, followed by almost eight years on the lees in the bottle to develop richness and finesse. R685

R685 | tokara.com

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Silverthorne River Dragon

Winemaker John Loubser breaks with convention in the latest from his Breede River cellar. Made from Colombar and fermented with wild yeasts in old 500-litre acacia- wood barrels, it’s vibrant in colour and on the palate, with a supremely fine mousse. An impressive addition to the portfolio.

R203 | silverthornwines.co.za

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Klein Zalze Brute MCC 2015

Winner of the Best Brut at last year’s Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, this vintage bubbly from Stellenbosch neatly shows the ageing potential of local fizz. A classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it’s a perfect pairing with that summery oyster platter.

R245 | kleinezalze.co.za

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Steenberg Lady R

The just released Steenberg Lady R Cap Classique 2017 grande cuvée, is a seriously structured yet elegantly nuanced and vibrant blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

R520 | steenbergfarm.com

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Kleine Zalze‘s NV Brut and NV Brut Rose Cap Classique wines are made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with second fermentation in the bottle and more than 12 months of ageing on the lees, the two sparkling wines offer style, elegance and luxury treats. 

Lizemari Geldenhuys, dedicated Cap Classique winemaker at Kleine Zalze, lives her passion for sparkling wine in the three MCC wines of Kleine Zalze – NV Brut, NV Brut Rose and an exceptional Vintage Brut.

Only Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are used – specific blocks are selected and managed with great care to ensure the right fresh-fruit-acid balance. The NV wines spend 12-18 months on the lees and the Vintage 36 months.

MCC Brut NV

A traditional MCC, showing elegance and complexity with a long finish. Aromas of strawberry and blackberry fruit flavours complemented by classic biscuit bouquet richness. A lively fine mousse transforms this wine into an unforgettable sparkling sensation.

R876 a case

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MCC Brut Rosé NV

A traditional, yet fun and flirtatious MCC with flair that delights the palate as much as the eye.

R876 a case

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MCC Vintage Brut

An old-world style sparkling wine crafted from the finest selected parcels of the traditional grape varieties Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, bottle fermented and matured for five years prior to disgorgement.

R1470 per case

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For more information, visit kleinezalze.co.za.

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VISI pops the corks of some of SA’s finest bubblies…

South Africa’s Western Cape is renowned for its exceptional wine experiences, with countless tasting rooms waiting to be explored – check out 15 must-visit options here. Among its sparkling offerings, the region also boasts some of the finest Cap Classique wines, perfect for any celebration.

Colmant

Colmant continues to offer a sophisticated selection of Champagnes, including exclusives like Tribaut, Mailly Grand Cru, and Champagne Du Mesnil. The estate also excels with its own Cap Classique wines, crafted from traditional Champagne varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Colmant Brut Reserve, a balanced 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay blend, has a pale golden hue, while the Colmant Brut Rosé, with 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay, features a beautiful salmon-pink colour and a lively, delicate mousse. | colmant.co.za

Krone

The House of Krone continues to push the boundaries of excellence in Cap Classique wines. One of its standout offerings is the Krone Kaaimansgat Site-Specific Blanc de Blancs 2018, a vintage wine made exclusively from mountain-grown Chardonnay grapes from the Kaaimansgat vineyard. This high-altitude site near Villiersdorp is known for its extreme climate, which contributes to the wine’s strong acidity, low pH, and vibrant elegance. | krone.world

Pongrácz

Pongrácz remains a favourite Cap Classique, inspired by the spirit of Hungarian aristocrat Desiderius Pongrácz. With its award-winning Desiderius Pongrácz Brut, which took gold in multiple international competitions, the brand continues to impress with a crisp, full-bodied profile and elegant packaging, making it an ideal gift choice this festive season. | pongracz.co.za

JC le Roux

JC le Roux, another long-standing South African Cap Classique house, delights with sparkling innovation and consistent quality. The iconic, award-winning Cap Classique Scintilla is known for its dry, soft and elegant citrus notes derived from Chardonnay and a full mouth-feel derived from the Pinot Noir grapes. Their range now includes low-alcohol options for diverse tastes. | jcleroux.co.za

Groote Post

Groote Post Vineyards’ Groote Post Méthode Cap Classique Brut, a Méthode Cap Classique made from a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir 100%, is celebrated for its zesty notes of green apple and white pear with hints of brioche. | grootepost.co.za

KWV Roodeberg

KWV offers a refined range of sparkling wines, including the Sparkling Demi-Sec and the Sparkling Cuvée Brut. The Sparkling Demi-Sec delights with aromas of honeysuckle and tropical fruit, crafted exclusively from 100% Chenin Blanc, providing a sweet yet refreshing finish. The Sparkling Cuvée Brut, on the other hand, features a crisp, vibrant profile, making it an ideal celebratory choice. | kwv.co.za

Peter Falke

Peter Falke’s Noelina Cap Classique 2028 is a 100% Chardonnay with delicate bubbles, aromas of lemon grass and a beautiful refreshing finish of green apples on the palate. In 2023 it won Double Gold award at Gilbert & Gaillard and took home Gold at the Michelangelo Wine Awards 2024. | peterfalkewines.com

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