AT UNDER R200pb, surely there's no better value-for-money sparkling wine on the market in 2026 than the 2020 vintage of Laborie Blanc de Blancs from KWV in Paarl? Champion at the 25th edition of the Amorim Cork Cap Classique Challenge after scoring 96 at South Africa's Trophy Wine Show earlier in the year! See below for the most highly rated MCCs in 2026 to date.
There were 138 entries in the 2026 Challenge, which accommodated various categories of Cap Classique sparkling wine made according to the traditional method. The panels of judges were convened by Cape Wine Academy Principal Heidi Duminy: on Panel 1 judging Blanc de Blancs and Extended Lees Ageing (7yrs plus and sugar less than 12g/l) classes were Heidi Duminy (chair), wine writer Malu Lambert and Haute Cabrière cellarmaster Tim Hoek; on Panel 2 judging Brut Blends were wine educator Cathy Marston (chair), sommelier and Beck Family Estate brand ambassador Mandla Patson Mathonsi together with Krone cellarmaster Stephan de Beer; on Panel 3 judging the Rosé, Blanc de Noir and Nectar (17 to 50g/l sugar) classes were Cape Wine Masters Winnie Bowman (chair) and Jeff Grier together with sommelier Spencer Fondaumiere.
CHALLENGE WINNER
Laborie Blanc de Blancs 2020
R189pb ex-KWV cellar, Paarl
BEST IN THEIR CLASS
Des Dieux Claudia Brut 2021
R302pb approx retail, cellar on Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Des Dieux Rose of Sharon Brut Rosé 2017
R302pb approx retail, cellar on Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Pieter Ferreira Blanc de Blancs 2015
R575pb ex-producer, Franschhoek
ALSO DOUBLE GOLD MEDALLISTS
Bon Courage Jacques Bruére Blanc de Blancs 2015
R292pb ex-cellar, Robertson
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2017
R420pb ex-cellar, Robertson
Lourensford Brut Rosé 2021
R200pb ex-cellar, Somerset West
Simonsig Cuvée Royale Blanc de Blancs 2022
R650pb ex-cellar, Koelenhof-Stellenbosch
MOST HIGHLY RATED CAP CLASSIQUES IN 2026:
Bon Courage Jacques Bruére Brut Reserve 2018
Best in Class, Terroir Wine Awards
R292pb ex-cellar, Robertson
Charles Fox Cipher Blanc de Noirs 2018
98/100, Fine Wine Awards
R625pb ex-cellar, Elgin
Des Dieux Claudia Brut 2021
Best in Class, Cap Classique Challenge
R302pb approx retail, cellar on Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Des Dieux Rose of Sharon Brut Rosé 2017
Best in Class, Cap Classique Challenge
R302pb approx retail, cellar on Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge
Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2020
Trophy, Trophy Wine Show
95/100, International Wine & Spirit Competition
R420pb ex-cellar, Robertson
Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2019
96/100, Trophy Wine Show
R1340pb ex-cellar, Robertson
Laborie Blanc de Blancs 2020
Winner, Cap Classique Challenge
96/100, Trophy Wine Show
R189pb ex-KWV cellar, Paarl
L'Ormarins Brut Classique Rosé NV
96/100, Fine Wine Awards
R220pb ex-Anthonij Rupert cellar, Franschhoek
L'Ormarins Private Cuvée 2017
96/100, Trophy Wine Show
R555pb ex-Anthonij Rupert cellar, Franschhoek
Newstead Brut Blanc de Blancs 2018
97/100, International Wine & Spirit Competition
R430pb ex-cellar, Plettenberg Bay
Pieter Ferreira Blanc de Blancs 2015
Best in Class, Cap Classique Challenge
R575pb ex-producer, Franschhoek
Saronsberg Blanc de Blancs Brut 2022
Wine of the Year, National Wine Challenge
R280pb ex-cellar, Tulbagh
Tierhoek Cap Classique 2024
96/100, Fine Wine Awards
R295pb ex-cellar, Piekenierskloof-Citrusdal Mountain
• For all of the top-rated Cap Classique bubblies this year and last, click here.