Local bubbly, French guests 8 August 2006

From Sue:

I am looking for a good South African sparkling wine to serve to French guests at a wedding.  What do you recommend?
 

Response from Tim James:

Well, I suppose the French have different tastes and levels of sophistication among themselves like everyone else, but let's take it that you want something that is fairly serious and dry, and made according to traditional methods (ie MCC, or Méthode Cap Classique, for local bubblies) – but also is going to be enjoyable all round at a wedding, and not terribly expensive. There are quite a few good ones available, though few would regard them as serious competition with the best champagnes, of course. One that the French themselves have admired is the Krone Borealis from Twee Jonge Gezellen(there was a partnership in the 90s with the Mumm champagne house, but it didn't last long, for various reasons). That is a reliably good bubbly. Cabrière estate's wines must be mentioned – the Pierre Jourdan range is excellent, generally a bit drier than the Krone Borealis, I think.

But our resident bubbly fanatic, Melvyn Minnaar, immediately said: 'Graham Beck', and that might well be an answer given by many, who regard the Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs as often the Cape's finest sparkling wine, with the standard Brut very good also.

COMMENT

From winemaker Jean-Vincent Ridon:
Although French drinkers always complain, pretending to always know better than others what is good – with the experience of the Classic Wine Trophy [which J-V has organised for many years], and being French myself, I can support Melvyn's opinion of the Graham Beck Blanc de Blanc, as it is often properly dosaged (I mean not too much sugar is added). Villiera's Brut Natural and Monro Brut are always a great success with my French friends, along with the Krone Borealis mentioned above – especially if you can grab an older wine, like '97 or '94 (the '92 is still good, though with less bubbles). And for rosé bubblies, Belle Rose from Clos Cabrière always surprises the French drinker. Although there is variation between the different disgorgement lots, this is a wine with a strong identity.