Champion Cap Classique from KWV

SHINING in a line-up of 157 sparklers on the tasting bench at the 2023 Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, the 2017 vintage of KWV’s Laborie Blanc de Blancs was judged the best dry bottle-fermented wine made exclusively from Chardonnay and the best wine overall. This on top of the Paarl bubbly having been chosen as Best Cap Classique at the Trophy Wine Show (SA) earlier in the year. Pity it’s all sold out ex-cellar and no longer available at most retail stores – particularly given that the price is so good relative to some of the double gold medallists.

Although only one of the factors in determining just how special the character of a Cap Classique is, time is crucial, commented the convenor of the tasting panel(s) Heidi Duminy CWM, i.e. how much time the wine spends on the lees (yeast deposit) in the bottle during the second fermentation before degorgement and sealing under cork. “More producers are reaping the reward of patience, with an obvious elevation in complexity with time on the lees balanced by frisky fruit attitude and intricate fine bubbles.”

Also among the judges were fellow Cape Wine Master Winnie Bowman, wine writer Malu Lambert, sommelier Spencer Fondaumiere, winemakers Johann Fourie (Benguela Cove), John Loubser (Silverthorn), Morgan Steyn (De Grendel) and Danielle Coetsee (Boschendal), as well as Tarryn Vincent (Reciprocal Wine Co).

Besides the Laborie Blanc de Blancs, other top wines honoured at the awards function that have track records so good as to be included among the Top 20 in the SA Wine Classification, are Des Dieux Claudia Brut, Desiderius, the Blanc de Blancs and Cuvée Clive from Graham Beck, Newstead Brut Blanc de Blanc and Simonsig Cuvée Royale – see below for all the trophy and double gold medal winners.

According to Joaquim Sá, MD of Amorim Cork South Africa: “Cap Classique has entrenched itself as one of the Cape’s leading wine offerings, not only in the eyes of critics and judges affirming the quality and diversity in styles, but also among consumers. The very name ‘Cap Classique’ has become a brand in itself, proudly South African and a fashionable representation of the ebullient lifestyle associated with the pop of a cork and the sparkling splash of wine into a glass.”

OVERALL WINNER

Laborie Blanc de Blancs 2017
R169pb from KWV cellar, Paarl

ALSO BEST IN CLASS

Darling Cellars Cap Classique Nectar 2020 (Demi Sec / Slightly Sweet)
R150pb ex-cellar

Des Dieux Claudia Brut 2017
R272pb ex-cellar, Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge

Louisvale Chardonnay Pinot Noir Rosé Brut NV
R165pb ex-cellar, Devon Valley, Stellenbosch

Newstead Brut Blanc de Blanc 2016
R450pb ex-cellar, Plettenberg Bay

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL

Desiderius Pongrácz 2015
R550pb from Heineken’s Vinoteque, Stellenbosch

Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2018
R357pb ex-cellar, Robertson

Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2018
R970pb ex-cellar, Robertson

L’Ormarins Blanc de Blancs 2018
R230pb from Rupert cellar, Franschhoek

Lourensford ‘Cuvée 124’ Brut Zero 2011
R550pb ex-cellar, Somerset West

Newstead Brut Blanc de Blanc 2018
R265pb ex-cellar, Plettenberg Bay

Simonsig Cuvée Royale Blanc de Blancs 2018
R450pb ex-cellar, Koelenhof-Stellenbosch

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2019
R175pb ex-cellar, Koelenhof-Stellenbosch

Weltevrede Philip Jonker The Ring Brut 2013
R276pb ex-cellar, Bonnievale