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.

The post Enjoy a Summer of Sparkle with Kleine Zalze appeared first on Visi.

The recently opened MCC Room at the Gin Bar celebrates South African bubbly. We found out more about the inspiration behind the project, and asked the team to share their current favourites.

Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” This is what Dom Pierre Pérignon, the monk credited with the creation of Champagne, apparently exclaimed when he first tasted his new wine. Like many famous quotes, this one seems like it might have been invented by a very clever advertising copywriter rather than said by the man himself, but it sure is apt. The delightful sparkle of effervescent wines – which are made in various ways around the world, and include Cava, Prosecco and our very own Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) – is a delectable, almost otherworldly taste sensation.

Aiming to celebrate the brilliant tastes of South African bubbly in proper style is the new MCC Room, which recently opened adjacent to Cape Town’s well-known Gin Bar. Housed in a building that’s a couple of hundred years old, the space has a distinct vintage feel with exposed brick and stonework – and, says co-founder Anthony Gird, “There’s a slight nod to French design in the interior, which was created by Jeanne Marais.”

The building was originally an old homestead, and later on, it housed “an undertaker. The main Gin Bar was the chapel, and the MCC Room was the embalming room,” he adds. Asked about the idea of creating a bar exclusively focused on MCC, Anthony says, “When a friend suggested that we open an MCC bar, we realised there was no place that focuses only on local bubbles.

Yet there are hundreds of amazing MCCs out there.” From that point onwards, he says, it was “kind of a no-brainer… It’s important for us to do things we really like. And we love bubbles.” As do we!

BUBBLE, BUBBLE…

The MCC Room team’s three top local bubbly picks.

Napoleon is rumoured to have said, “In victory you deserve Champagne; in defeat you need it.” What’s your favourite MCC for celebrations?

“Ambeloui Rosanna Rosé MCC Chardonnay/Pinot Noir. Miranda Green, the MCC maker at the family business that is Ambeloui, is so full of joy and love that it shines through. Delicious.”

R210 | ambeloui.co.za

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And what about something to cheer you up when you’re feeling down?

“One of our cocktails: either the Negroni Sbagliato (a bubbly version of the Negroni) or the English Garden. Both are beautiful and guaranteed to lift your mood – and both are made with the perfectly dry Waterkloof Astraeus MCC Brut Chardonnay.”

R240 | waterkloofwines.co.za

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We aren’t all famous generals – what about an MCC perfect for daily drinking?

“The almost unknown gem that is Bemind, made by Ilse Schutte right in the middle of McGregor. Garagista style at its finest.”

R230 | bemindwyne.co.za

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Looking to raise a glass this summer? Look no further than our pick of celebratory solutions.

1. Boschendal 10-Year-Old Potstill Brandy, R600

Boschendal 10-Year-Old Potstill Brandy is best savoured neat or perhaps with an ice cube – no Coke for this one. Strong cheeses, rich dishes and decadent chocolate mousse are just some of the perfect culinary accompaniments to this deep amber liquor.

2. Biostilla Craft Organic Gin, R350

Biostilla Craft Organic Gin is a premium Italian gin made in the London dry style, with the addition of Mediterranean botanicals to add complexity. Featuring juniper berry, citrus and floral notes, this gin should be on your shopping list for summer – to be enjoyed over ice or with a splash of premium tonic.

3. Herradura Reposado Tequila, R499

Herradura Reposado Tequila is a premium barrel-aged Mexican tequila that is surprisingly smooth. To make a Paloma cocktail, fill a lowball glass with ice, add 2 parts Herradura Reposado Tequila and 1 part freshly squeezed lime juice, and top with a sparkling grapefruit cooldrink.

4. G&T Frost Popsicles, R27 each

G&T Frost Popsicles seem like the most logical idea ever to quench that summer thirst. A big welcome then to Frost Popsicle’s G&T Classic and G&T Berry Infusion popsicles, a first for the South African market. Made using Hope on Hopkins local craft gin, these lollies for grown-ups are best served frozen. Obviously!

5. Constantia Glen Five 2012, From R390

Constantia Glen Five 2012 is a cool-climate Bordeaux-style red blend that will add gravitas to any gathering. Winemaker Justin van Wyk suggests serving this big red with “slow-roasted pulled-pork tortillas with chipotle chillies, lime zest, fresh coriander and coleslaw, or roasted rack of lamb with tomato-and-rosemary jus, served on a bed of Mediterranean couscous”. Who are we to argue?

6. Plaisir de Merle Charles Marais 2013, R1 050

Plaisir de Merle Charles Marais 2013 is a limited-edition blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot – the “pinnacle of blends”, according to the wine estate. “These grapes,” says winemaker Niel Bester, “were destined for greatness.”

7. Graham Beck Brut Rosé Non Vintage MCC, From R150

Graham Beck Brut Rosé Non Vintage MCC has our vote for easy summer sipping. We’re sold on its flirtatious silvery-pink hue and the prettiest packaging, not to mention the exuberant blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The post 7 Celebratory Summer Drinks appeared first on Visi.