When it comes to summer holiday time and festive celebrations, there is nothing better to get you in a party mood than a bottle of bubbly. Champagne, Prosecco, MCC or any other sparkling wine brings zing, freshness and flavour to any occasion. Eamonn and his team of wine specialists at Lifestyle TOPS can help you find the right sparkling wine to add fizz to your festive fun!
Arguably the finest and most famous sparkling wine in the world, French Champagne is produced only in the Champagne region of France. Most commonly, Champagne is made using Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir grapes, and all champagne producers must follow specific appellation rules for the growing, harvesting and vinification process. Eamonn’s top Champagne choice is Moët & Chandon. He love’s its unique style distinguished by its bright fruitiness, its seductive palate and its elegant maturity.
Prosecco is a sparkling wine originating from Italy, enjoyed for its off-dry fruitiness and gentle bubbles. The vinification process is less time-consuming and cost-intensive than Champagne as Prosecco uses the Charmat or tank method, where secondary fermentation takes place in vats or tanks, rather than in the bottle itself. Flavours tend to be flowery, with nuances of stone fruits, making it generally slightly sweeter than most Champagne. Amanda recommends Valdo Prosecco’s fruity taste and bright, zesty finish.
South African sparkling wine made in the traditional French method (methode champenoise) is referred to as Methode Cap Classique or MCC, whereby the bubbles are created through a second fermentation in the bottle. MCC is considered a premium category in South Africa and the term ‘Methode Cap Classique’ will always be written on the label to represent the classification. Some of the world’s finest sparkling wine is produced in South Africa. A South African MCC that is globally known and respected is Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel, which is Valencia’s suggestion for this festive season…
