With just one day left to the end of the decade and the end of 2019, there’s plenty to celebrate and toast to with a glass of delicious bubbly. If you’re stuck for choice and want some suggestions, look no further than my top 5 favourite bubblies:
1. L’Ormarins Blanc de Blancs 2013 Vintage
Αn absolute favourite of mine! This L’Ormarins MCC is cultivated from 100% chardonnay grapes, is deliciously fresh with tangy lemon, ripe peach, grapefruit and crisp green apple on the palate with an intriguing flinty character on the nose, then broadens out on the mid-palate with a creamier, fuller-bodied richness taking over before it tightens once more with a defined, dry and crisp tail. Pairs well with seafood, sushi and grilled chicken.
L’Ormarins Brut Rosé
Cultivated from 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay grapes, with grapes grown in Franschhoek, Overberg, Darling, and Robertson. I adore the sparkly salmon hue and summery notes of strawberry, raspberry and yeasty brioche on the palate and nose. Pairs well with dessert, soft cheese, seafood, and whitefish.
2. Haute Cabriere’s Pierre Jourdan Belle Rose
The Belle Rose is a fruity Méthode Cap Classique which owes its salmon pink colour to the Pinot Noir varietal. The palate reveals a lively presentation of rich strawberry and cherry flavours derived from Pinot Noir – with an elegant, long dry finish. Made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Pairs well with salmon, trout and a delicious summer cheeseboard.
3. Simonsig’s Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé
A celebration of refreshing flavours tantalises the palate with a sublime finish of quince notes. The subtle yet crisp acidity causes an array of lingering high notes. This vibrant Sparkling Rosé reflects elegance, style and finesse with notes of red berry and delicate hints of candyfloss. Pairs well with seafood, dessert and light summer snack platter of seasonal fruit and soft cheese.
4. Creation’s Elation MCC
This Walker Bay local has the potential of an international superstar. Cultivated from 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir Grapes. This beautiful MCC has aromas of lemon blossom and dried apple, followed by wild strawberry and hints of freshly baked brioche. On the palate, well-integrated flavours of grapefruit and dried apple are accompanied by fresh flinty character – elusively savoury like wet pebbles and shells on a beach.
5. Le Lude Brut
Last, but certainly not least, is the fantastic award-winning Franschhoek MCC. The Brut is a classic blend of 91% Chardonnay and 9% Pinot Noir.
Elegant citrus blossoms with fresh lime aromas. Secondary aromas of nougat, roasted nuts and hints of proving dough.Bright, fresh and elegant palate entry. Aromas of grapefruit, ripe zesty lemon and pear form a structured mid-palate. The mousse shows effortless finesse and texture with a restrained presence. Elegant length develops delicately on the palate with fine tertiary aromas of caramelised honey, vanilla and dried fig. Pairs well with freshly shucked oysters, seafood and a complex flavoured cheese board. Drum roll, please… this is my top MCC pick for 2019!
Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and prosperous 2020!
Cheers! x
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