Kleine Zalze Cap Classique Brut

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16 March 2026

This wine from Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa, is a traditional method sparkling wine. It’s made using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and sits at 12% ABV.

In the glass it has a pale salmon colour with loads of lively, fine beads that keep on coming. Aroma wise it gives off fresh apple and citrus, with a gentle biscuit nuance. It’s dry on taste, apple and citrus upfront, then that richer depth kicks in with bright, high acidity keeping everything fresh. The finish is long, the sort that makes you want another sip before you’ve even put the glass down.

What felt different, and what I really liked, was a lovely, rich, autolytic character, more muscadet-esque and leesy rather than the pastry or brioche style you get from Champagne. The recommended price is £21.66 from independent wine retailers such as Banstead Vintners, Macknade Fine Foods, ND John Wines and Fareham Wine Cellar.

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