The Babylonstoren Sprankel 2018, from the Western Cape, offers an intriguing alternative to traditional Champagne. It’s part of the growing selection of Cap Classique wines from South Africa with over 260 producers and more than 400 different cuvées. South Africa now produces an impressive 11 million bottles annually and the Sprankel is a great example of why South African sparkling wines are gaining international recognition.
Made using the traditional Méthode Cap Classique, which mirrors the techniques used for Champagne, the Sprankel is made only from Chardonnay grapes. It benefits from over four years of ageing, allowing it to develop a refined complexity.
Visually, the wine has a light straw colour with fine bubbles. On the nose, there is a delicate Champagne-like yeasty aroma, inviting you to explore further. On the palate, the Sprankel delivers a soft, fresh acidity typical of a well-made, marginally sweet, Brut. With an ABV of 11.5%, it strikes a perfect balance between richness and lightness. The flavour profile is vibrant, with notes of apple and grapefruit that fills the mouth with a burst of fruit. The finish is long and biscuity, offering a satisfying finish. If I were to be exceptionally picky, the fine bubbles didn’t last as they might, but they certainly lingered long enough to enjoy the drink, so this minor detail didn’t really diminish the overall experience. The wine comes well presented in a stylish box, with the added charm of a naked cork.
Priced between £37 and £40 from retailers such as The Newt in Somerset, Wanderlust Wine, and Islington Wine, the Babylonstoren Sprankel competes admirably with traditional Champagnes. It is a more interesting and viable alternative for those looking to explore beyond the well-trodden paths of Champagne.
