Sprankel! Babylonstoren top Cap Classique in Platter’s guide
2018 is the eighth vintage of Babylonstoren’s Cap Classique. How time flies! The bottle-fermented sparkler has a good track record and this year could be the best to date. It’s certainly got off to an impressive start, released five years after harvest, gaining in complexity. Not just 5 Stars in the 2024 edition of Platter’s SA Wine Guide but, at 97 points, the most highly rated bubbly in the book – the most glowing review for ‘Sprankel’ previously having been 95 points for the 2015 vintage at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards in the UK.
BABYLONSTOREN SPRANKEL 2018
WO Simonsberg-Paarl. Chardonnay (90%) and Pinot Noir. Grapes whole-bunch pressed. After initial fermentation in stainless-steel tanks, wine kept on the lees (spent yeast sediment) for seven months. After second fermentation in bottle, wine kept on the lees for a minimum of 54 months prior to disgorgement (ejecting the sediment) and sealing with a cork. Brut (dry) style.
ALC 12 | RS 8.8 | TA 9.2 | pH 3.2
Producer’s Tasting Notes: Light straw hue, tinge of green. Citrus and crunchy apple flavours, butter biscuits and brioche. Crisp acidity, ripe fruit and palate-cleansing mousse. Serve chilled; 8° to 10°C. Ready to be enjoyed on release, with good ageing potential of eight to 10 years after vintage.
Pairing Suggestions: Simply prepared seafood dishes; crayfish or linefish with beurre blanc sauce.
R650pb ex-cellar.
Babylonstoren Sprankel is certainly one of my real favourite SA sparklers. I tasted it at the London Wine Fair this year. It was the best SA sparkler there by 1.60934 km. I’ll bring the Sprankel, you bring the pairing!!!