Part of my #awards25 series, this South African sparkling has a Gold Medal from the IWSC 2025 with an impressive 96 points. It’s from Robertson in the Western Cape and is an example of a ‘blanc de blancs’, a term that means white wine made solely from white grapes. In this case, it’s 100% Chardonnay.
Produced using the Méthode Cap Classique, South Africa’s take on the Traditional Method used in Champagne, it undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle. This is the 2019 vintage, though it was only disgorged in 2024, allowing time for ageing.
The bubbles are small and refined, typical of bottle-fermented wines. There’s a bright aroma of lime and buttery pastry, leading into flavours of citrus, apple and brioche. The acidity is high and energising, giving the wine freshness rather than fullness and it finishes with medium length.
To experience it at its best, don’t serve it straight from the fridge. Giving it at least 30 minutes to breathe allows the wine to soften and become more rounded, balancing out the racy acidity.
Available from Majestic at £20.00 as part of a Mix Six, it’s an good-value alternative to Champagne.
