The Stellenzicht Cap Classique is a celebration of craftsmanship and precision. This sparkling wine is distinguished by its vibrant aromas, carrying notes of fresh citrus, green apples, and brioche. With every sip, lively bubbles dance on the palate, delivering vivacious flavours of citrus zest, underscored by a creamy backdrop of minerality. The extended bottle maturation on lees lends the wine richer notes of toasted bread, yeast, and a hint of butterscotch, offering depth and complexity that lingers long after the wine is enjoyed.
This sparkling wine is a classic example of the Cap Classique style, South Africa’s answer to traditional méthode champenoise. The attention to detail in both the vineyard and the cellar is evident in the finesse of the wine’s structure and the balance of its flavours. Stellenzicht’s Cap Classique is a delightful representation of their winemaking philosophy, where elegance meets a deep respect for the land and its bounty.
The art of vinification
The journey of Stellenzicht Cap Classique begins in the vineyards, where the Chardonnay grapes are carefully hand-harvested in the early morning to ensure they retain their freshness and natural acidity. Harvesting at lower sugar levels is key to producing a wine with a crisp, lively character. The use of whole bunch pressing ensures the extraction of high-quality juice, preserving the purity of the Chardonnay grapes.
Once harvested, the juice is racked into tanks where the first fermentation takes place. This step is crucial for developing the wine’s primary flavours, which are dominated by bright citrus and green apple notes. Following the initial fermentation, the wine is prepared for the secondary fermentation, which occurs in the bottle under a crown cap. This is a hallmark of the traditional method used in crafting Cap Classique wines, where the bubbles are created naturally during fermentation.
The wine then spends an impressive 18 months aging on the lees, which are the spent yeast cells left over from fermentation. This aging process imparts the wine’s signature complexity, adding layers of creamy richness, toasted bread, and subtle butterscotch flavours. The longer the wine ages on the lees, the more nuanced its texture becomes, resulting in a creamy mouthfeel balanced by lively acidity.
After this period of maturation, the wine undergoes disgorgement, where the lees are removed, and the final sparkling wine is ready to be enjoyed. The result is a sophisticated and refined Cap Classique that captures the essence of Stellenzicht’s winemaking expertise.
In conclusion, Stellenzicht Cap Classique is a testament to the winery’s dedication to producing wines of distinction. Its vibrant flavours, elegant bubbles, and complex layers make it a perfect choice for celebrations and special moments, offering a true taste of Stellenbosch’s rich winemaking heritage.
