There were 50 entries (out of a possible 400 labels that are said to be available on the market) received for the inaugural Cap Classique Report convened by Winemag.co.za and according to their report and panelists “the outcome somewhat disappointing with just 13 wines (the Top 10 plus three others) rating 90-plus on the 100-point scale. “
The report read as below:
“Sparkling wine sales are booming globally – it has escaped the confines of being solely a celebratory drink and is now a symbol of success and opulence. In addition, at a time when consumers are becoming more mindful of health issues, relatively lower alcohol content is in the category’s favour.
In line with this, Cap Classique (bottle fermented sparkling wine) has done very well commercially in recent times but there is a sense that one level, quality is suffering as some of the bigger producers attempt to scale while on another, the smaller producers are entering the category without enough technical expertise.
There were many examples that scored in the 87 – 89 point bracket and these were pleasant enough but ultimately lacked refinement – Cap Classique demands a premium on account of the length of the production process but it would be nonsensical to pay very much more than R200 a bottle for such wines.
What was of particular concern is how poorly the vintage examples showed in general – extended time on the lees is meant to result in extra complexity but these wines often looked excessively advanced, coming across as too dark in colour, lacking in fruit and energy and overly aldehydic with too much honeyed or nutty character in evidence.
At best, these wines are geeky and at worst just plain rustic. The mainstream non-vintage commercial offerings were typically sound enough but a bit predictable, sweet-ish fruit offset by lively acidity and very foamy.
It’s difficult not to be cynical about the Demi-Sec sub-class, these wines very often having an alco-pop lack of poise about them. The examples of Rosé under scrutiny also left a lot to be desired, insufficient Pinot Noir character being a particular criticism.
The panel was ultimately looking for subtlety and sophistication and that’s what set the wines to score 90-plus apart – unfortunately there were not nearly as many of these as was expected at the outset of the tasting.
It might seem churlish to be so negative about such a popular category, but we would suggest that quality improvements need to be made urgently lest credibility is lost.”
Many took to critique the sample size and how this report and penned findings could be seen as a true representation of an industry as a whole. Some commented on the lack of “specialist judges” rather than wineries be awarded or critiques by a panel that represents Joe Public. Many sighting that prominent producers in this field having not entered, namely; Silverthorne, Charles Fox, Colmant and Peter Ferreira(of Graham Beck) who produce the famed MCC Cuvee Clive.
That being said, The 10 best Cap Classique wines overall were as follows:
Babylonstoren Sprankel 2014
Babylonstoren Sprankel 2015
Benguela Cove Joie de Vivre 2017
Cavalli Capriole 2018
Delaire Graff Sunrise Brut NV
Genevieve Blanc de Blancs 2015
Kleine Zalze Brut NV
Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut 2013
Peter Falke Signature Noelina 2015
Simonsig Cuvée Royale Blanc de Blancs 2014
