All about your favourite local Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) brands.

Picture: Freepik

When we two or mor people are gathered for an occasion with friends and family, they tend to include a little glass of bubbly to make that all-important toast.cHowever, not all bubbly is created ‘equal.
Buzz Life News went on a short hunt to savour the five (MCC) available in South African supermarkets and online stores.

Champagne and Méthode Cap Classique are the same thing. Of course, this is technically speaking. If you know even a little bit about wine, you might have realised that it is a culturally-entrenched product of society. And sparkling wine is by no means an exception – in fact, it might well be the rule.

Due to sought after cultural property and location branding, you can’t – and shouldn’t – think of Champagne and Méthode Cap Classique as the same thing.

First and foremost; Champagne and Méthode Cap Classique are technically the same thing. Of course, this is technically speaking. If you know even a little bit about wine, you might have realised that it is a culturally-entrenched product of society. And sparkling wine is by no means an exception – in fact, it might well be the rule. Due to sought after cultural property and location branding, you can’t – and shouldn’t – think of Champagne and Méthode Cap Classique as the same thing.

Champagne can only be called so if it is produced within the Champagne region of France. Indeed, the claim to this method – the méthode champenoise – is so jealously guarded that France has ensured, through a series of international treaties, that there are serious legal consequences for anyone outside of the Champagne region who dares to use the name ‘Champagne’ on their product.

Here’s what you need to know about some of your favourite MCC brands.

Boschendal Cap Classique Brut 


Boschendal is in in the middle of the range with a classic look. All grapes were whole bunch pressed in separate lots. Only the first 500 litres per ton of the juice was extracted before being cold settled for 48 hours. The clear juice was then racked from the lees and fermented at 16oC. With
fermentation complete, the tank was filled and left on the primary lees up until blending. The final blend of the base wine was then stabilized and filtered. The flavour profiles are Pale gold with a flourish of delicate bubbles and enticing lemon cream and almond Biscotti precedes a soft explosion of zesty lemon and orange peel that finishes with appealing length and freshness.
Price: R150

Steenberg 1682 Chardonnay

The 1682 Brut Chardonnay has a pale lemon colour and a delicate mousse. It exudes freshness and pure fruit on the nose, vibrant notes of Granny Smith apple, candied lemon rind and white peach. It is lively on the palate, displaying finesse and complexity with a crisp acidity. Flavours of lemon cordial, honeyed nectarines, toasted croissant and pistachio are evident on the palate. It has a long, yet refreshing finish. This Méthode Cap Classique is the quintessential drink for all occasions.
Price: R195 – R430

Boulevard Rosé

DJ Zinhle recently announced that she has acquired equity in the international sparkling wine beverage, Boulevard Nectar Rosé, and has taken over as CEO. 
“My team and I work really hard; words can’t describe this moment. Our hard work never went unnoticed. God really is the greatest,” she wrote on social media.
This sees Female DJ, Ntombezinhle Jiyane become the first local artist to obtain equity in an international brand.
“Given life in the breathtaking South of France’s Languedoc area and carefully crafted to perfection for your satisfaction, the stylish Boulevard Nectar Rosè sparkling wine awakens any taste buds while creating the perfect celebratory moments”
Price: R199.95 – R229.99

Le’vante Garde

Le’vante Grade was launched in South Africa in 2018 by businessman Teboho Twala. The Brut sparkling wine, Chardonnay Pinot is a full flavoured wine made from two traditional cultures, offers smooth and luxurious drinking, Le’vante Garde has a story waiting to be told. Le’vante Garde is fully owned by Intercontinental Holding (PTY) LTD,(ICH) a beverage company founded under the governing laws of the Republic of South Africa by the sole owner and CEO Teboho John Twala. Most beverages products are registered and approved trademarks except Le’vante Garde for which is traded. ICH Beverages is an emerging producer of functional non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages in South Africa with world wide appeal. In 2016, the company launched one of its three offerings, ZZEROHANGOVER, a functional hangover beverage. The flagship product ZZEROHANGOVER has been in stores since May 2016 and has been well received by the market as can be seen with sales and also the hype on social media and numerous interviews requests from mainstream media, viz, Radio, TV and Print. Notably, even Forbes Magazine and CNBC Africa. Our focus is to move with the growing trends and align the brands to look, feel and tatse that appeals to the target market and lifestyle.
Price: R190 – R250

House of BNG

Bonang Matheba launched her very own luxury beverage brand with the introduction of the House of BNG and its Brut and Brut Rosé Méthode Cap Classiques (MCCs).
In her latest endeavour,  Queen B has also become the first black woman to become a member of the Cap Classique Producers Association.
“House of BNG has been a passion project of mine for a long time. It’s no secret that champagne is my favourite drink, so getting the chance to make my own MCC was an opportunity I couldn’t miss out on!” says Bonang of her latest venture.
Known as the “Champagne Queen”, Bonang made a specific decision to make an MCC with Cape grapes rather than a champagne (made from region-specific French grapes) and the House of BNG(which is an acronym for Bonang) was born.
Over two years in the making, the House of BNG involved the careful crafting of a truly unique blend by acclaimed Cape Wine Master Jeff Grier, selecting the finest grapes from across the renowned Stellenbosch wine-producing region. To suit her taste preferences, Bonang also collaborated in the creative process, from advising on the balance between bitter and sweet to the size of the bubbles.
Price: R399

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