Des Dieux does it again at Cap Classique Challenge, and yet…

DOMAINE des Dieux’s win at the 2022 Amorim Cork Cap Classique Challenge was their third, having also been applauded as Best Producer in the 2018 and 2014 editions of the competition organised by South Africa’s Cap Classique Producers Association (CCPA). This time round, the 2016 vintage of Des Dieux Claudia Brut was named best wine overall, following the trophy-winning 2012 and 2009 vintages. Yet critics remain divided in their opinion as to just how good the best versions of bottle-fermented bubbly from the Cape are since the first local sparkler made according to the traditional method was launched some 50 years ago.

On the 2022 CCC panel of judges were Heidi Duminy CWM (chair), wine educator Cathy Marston, winemakers Morgan Steyn (De Grendel), Johan Fourie (Benguela Cove) and Nathan Valentine (Villiera), together with SA Sommeliers Association chair Spencer Fondaumiere. They considered just five of the many entries (126) worthy of double gold medals, which didn’t include any wines from entrants Graham Beck, Villiera, KWV (Laborie) or Bon Courage, to mention just some of the producers with the best track records over the past 10 years. That said, 17 gold medals were awarded, two going to Cap Classique pioneer Simonsig of Stellenbosch for Best Rosé and Best Nectar (off-dry/demi-sec) with their Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2020 and Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2020.

See below for the names of the double gold laureates, and for the names of all the medallists click here.

According to Duminy, a sparkling wine specialist and principal of the Cape Wine Academy: “Cap Classique is shining… We really do make the most spectacular wines with a South African DNA and footprint, a real Cape character.” However, in congratulating the winners, she said: “To all of you out there who have come so far in the short time that we’ve been producing Cap Classique, 50 years is just the beginning of a long journey.”

Earlier in the year Winemag editor Christian Eedes announced that Cap Classique would not be included among the online publication’s 2022 category reports, and he’s since intimated that it’s not yet world-class: “Cap Classique is still a little behind special cuvée Champagne”. An opinion not shared by most panellists at the Decanter World Wine Awards (UK), Drinks Business Masters (UK), Gilbert & Gaillard (FR) and Global Fine Wine Challenge (AU), for instance, where in just the past couple of years Cap Classique has earned double gold, 95, 96 and 97 points, even a trophy.

P.S. The  CCPA’s swing away from ‘Méthode Cap Classique’ to just ‘Cap Classique’ is now evident on their logo and bottle stickers. Albeit that some of us had become so accustomed to the term ‘MCC’.

 

DOUBLE GOLD MEDALLISTS

Constantia Uitsig Méthode Cap Classique 2018
Chardonnay: R280pb ex-cellar, Constantia

Des Dieux Claudia Brut 2016
Blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: R300pb ex-cellar, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

JC Le Roux Scintilla Vintage Reserve 2015
Chardonnay: R250pb ex-cellar, Devon Valley-Stellenbosch

Louisvale Chardonnay Brut NV
R180pb ex-cellar, Devon Valley-Stellenbosch

Newstead Brut 2015
Chardonnay: R450pb ex-cellar, Plettenberg Bay

 

 

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One comment

  • Ray Edwards

    Joaquim [Sa], you [Amorim Cork] have sponsored this [Cap Classique Challenge] for decades and the industry salutes you for your generosity and courage. Thank you.

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