Bubbly and Gin… Two of my favourite words that makes me smile! What better way to celebrate the start of Summer than by sipping the finest bubbly and sampling the coolest local craft and international gins?
The Wade Bales Cap Classique & Gin Affair took place at the Grand Africa Cafe & Beach Bar celebrating summer in style, surrounded by great music and spectacular views of the ocean waves crashing against the rocks. It’s a sophisticated and stylish event, where the best of South African offerings in MCC and craft gins are being showcased.
-THE BUBBLIES-
BENGUELA COVE CUVEE 58 NV
Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Noir Chardonnay. This Method Cap Classique allures with vivid aromas of candied apple, pear and sweet grass that comes to life when the fine mousse explodes on the surface. The expected bright acidity is balanced with a tangy finish, concluded with a fresh floral note. Absolutely delicious and versatile.
BENGUELA COVE JOIE DE VIVRE BRUT
Varieties: Chardonnay Pinot Noir. This Méthode Cap Classique exhibits a vibrant intensity and revels in elegance and style. On the nose, the MCC shows slight perfume and berry aromas followed by notes of nougat and brioche, while the palate is seductively fresh and focused with lingering mineral tones. The fine and soft mousse gives way to beautiful biscuit, red apple and nutty flavours on the palate, then subtly rounds off with a creamy complexity.
BON COURAGE JACQUES BRUÉRE CUBEE BRUT ROSÉ 2011
Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir. Full rich yeasty flavour fill up the bottle with hints of raspberry. Silky richness filled with red berries and balanced with subtle mineral undertones.
DOMAINE DES DIEUX CLAUDIA BRUT 2012
Claudia is a traditional method bottle fermented sparkling wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Claudia is synonymous with the celebration of life, and should be present at every occasion, be it a milestone or the pure enjoyment of life’s pleasures. Creamy lemon curd aromas mingle with perfumed red berries. Fresh and light in the mouth with a long finish of toasty brioche notes. It’s lively acidity makes it an ideal food partner.
DOMAINE DES DIEUX ROSE OF SHARON BRUT ROSÉ 2011
Varieties: Pinot Noir Chardonnay. Strawberry, black cherry, raspberry notes jump out of the glass with a hint of rose water in the background. The mousse is fine, and soft, with a rich, generous attack developing beautifully in the mouth into a clean, dry finish. Tantalising balance and generosity of fruit make this a great apéritif and food wine.
MONTPELLIER MCC BRUT
Varieties: Pinot Noir Chardonnay. On the nose the MCC is quite yeasty with elements of strawberry, vanilla and ginger gently rising through the mousse. The zesty crisp citrus fruits delicately carry through to the palate with an effervescent finish. This wine can be enjoyed as a welcoming drink or with light salads,oysters and smoked salmon.
MONTPELLIER BRUT CHARDONNAY
Rich with yeasty character, this Blanc de Blanc consists of 100% Chardonnay grapes. Kept on the lees for more than 5 years this MCC is dry, crisp and incredibly fresh. On the nose: Dried apricot and lots of fruit. On the pallet: Dried banana, oak and granny apple.
NUY CELINE CHARDONNAY PINOT NOIR BRUT
Made with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Made in the traditional method were secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle. Wine spend 54 months on the lees before disgorgement.
HAUTE CABRIERE PIERRE JOURDAN BELLE ROSE
Haute Cabrière’s Pierre Jourdan Cuvée Belle Rose is indeed beautiful, as the name suggests, in colour, aroma and taste, providing a treat for the senses. Its delicate blush hue is created through carbonic maceration of Pinot Noir grapes. This sources the gorgeous colour and flavour of the cultivar, but doesn’t extract the severe tannins. On the palate you can anticipate cherry and strawberry flavours that culminate in a sophisticated, dry aftertaste. The rich character of the Pinot Noir will allow this bubbly to serve excellently alongside prawns, mussels, crayfish and duck.
HAUTE CABRIERE PIERRE JOURDAN BRUT
Pierre Jourdan Brut is fresh and crisp yet complex and rewarding on the palate. The “lime” characteristics of the Chardonnay are leading and are well backed by the complexity of Pinot Noir. A classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir STYLE Méthode Cap Classique.
PLAISIR DE MERLE GRAND BRUT 2016
Light straw with a fine beady mousse.
Bouquet: Delicate yeasty tones, layered with green apples, citrus and brioche. Enlivened with a firm, well integrated mousse and a persistent bead. A foamy mouth-feel with toasty notes, citrus, honey and tropical nuances imparted by the Chardonnay whilst the Pinot Noir provides the flavours of fresh red fruit. It has a long lingering mature finish.
DESIDERIUS PONGRÁCZ
It is alluring with a rich complexity and a slight green tint that teems with lively bubbles. Nuances of fresh fruit, almonds and rich buttery bread, delight the senses.
ALVI’S DRIFT PINOT NOIR CHARDONNAY BRUT ROSÉ
A fun, clean, fresh and unpretentious wine with a soft salmon pink hue. Fresh crisp, green apple with hints of strawberry, watermelon and pomegranate on the nose follow through to the palate. Supported by a lively mousse this wine has a dry finish with subtle hints of watermelon and candyfloss.
ALVI’S DRIFT THORNLANDS CHARDONNAY PINOT NOIR BRUT
This elegant and flavorsome MCC has a pale straw color with a fine and persistent bead. The aromas of freshly baked bread crust and biscuits dominate the nose. Roasted almonds and walnuts are evident on the pallet which is complimented with a balanced and dry finish. Perfect as an aperitif or for every celebration.
WINDFALL MENDOLA BLANC DE BLANC MCC
Windfall Mendola Blanc de Blanc has delicate citrus characteristics with peach, guava and citrus blossoms being prevalent on the nose, which follow through onto the palate with beautiful nutty flavours. The crisp and refreshing acidity make it a perfect accompaniment to many dishes.
VILLIERA BRUT NATURAL CHARDONNAY 2015
A rich, creamy yeasty aroma with a full, ripe toasty flavour on the palate finishing dry with a savoury aftertaste. The balance and softer style of this Cap Classique made it possible to avoid adding dosage which means it is extra dry and ideal as an aperitif.
VILLIERA TRADITIONAL BRUT
This “Méthode Cap Classique” (bottle fermented sparkling wine) is a blend of red and white grapes displaying the full, balanced yeasty complexity synonymous with a wine made in this style. The wine retains its fresh racy zestiness that is a result of crisp acidity and delicate fruit.
STELLENRUST CHENIN BLANC BRUT
A wine for any celebratory occasion. It is made in the ‘Prosecco’ – style – with 2nd fermentation in the tank. Varieties: Chenin Blanc & Muscat de Alexandrie. The grapes are whole pressed and only soft pressure applied to get out the purest juice delivering the restraint apple aromas Chenin blanc so pleasantly offers. The juice is fermented extremely cold in tank and then allowed lees maturation for about 3 months prior to finishing and bottling. The residual sugar is rounded to perfection by a splash of Muscat de Alexandrie just before bottling to deliver an exotic richness to the lovely apple and fresh lime acidity of Chenin Blanc.
STELLENRUST CLEMENT DE LURE MCC
Methode Cap Classique, from Chardonnay with a hint of Pinotage and aged for 24 months prior to degorgement. Slow-baked Granny Smith apples with hints of spice, lemon rind, peach and “leesy” aromas are backed up with a persistent mousse and vibrant acidity. Chardonnay with a hint of Pinotage.
STEENBERG 1682 CHARDONNAY BRUT
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.
SILVERTHORN THE GREEN MAN 2017
Vibrant green/yellow hue – fine twirling bead of bubbles. Fresh aromas of green apple and acacia blossom backed up by subtle hints of minerality and whiffs of freshly baked brioche. A well-balanced palate with an elegant structure, fine mousse which imparts a gentle explosion of bubbles on the palate and a long finish.
SILVERTHORN THE GENIE ROSÉ BRUT
Varieties: Shiraz. Bright onion skin – fine twirling bead of bubbles. Exotic bouquet of Turkish delight and rose water. Fresh raspberries and sherbet flavours supported by a velvety texture, fine mousse and lengthy finish.
QUOIN ROCK MCC BRUT 2013
Varieties: Pinot Noir Chardonnay. Prominent notes of green apple, honey-oats, biscuit and lime are supported by interesting mineral characters on the nose. The delicate mousse and tiny, persistent bubbles complement the crisp, refreshing acidity and creamy palate of this elegant Brut style MCC.
-THE GINS-
NO 3 LONDON DRY GIN
A classic gin, made the traditional way with our proprietary recipe and unique production process to create a pure, crisp and refreshing liquid with the perfect balance of flavour. Bright, crisp and fresh with an uplifting welcome of juniper. Juniper to the fore, supported by floral notes and spicy, warm cardamom. Plenty of citrus ‘zing’ complemented by the gingery spiciness of coriander.
MCKRUGER HADEDA GIN
Aged in French Oak port barrel for smoothness. The naturally Amber gin has a port belly smell on the nose and a deliciously smooth finish on the palette. The Hadeda gin is best served on ice with a dash of tonic or sparkling water and sliced strawberries.
MCKRUGER DIE VOLSTRUIS GIN
A complex, well balanced gin made from 16 Botanicals including hand harvested and peeled lime, aloe peglerae blossoms, lemongrass, grains of paradise, juniper berries and rose scented geranium. It’s freshness and taste lingers on your tongue long after the last sip.
VICTORIA CLASSIC PINK GIN
Victoria handcrafted classic Pink bursts with a bouquet of African and traditional botanicals, juniper, fresh citrus and floral nuances of rose. Smooth on the palate with a hint of sweetness.
VICTORIA AMBER GIN
This rich, aromatic Amber Gin from Victoria stands out with its luxrious golden colour and delicate fynbos notes. You’ll also experience hints of fresh citrus and spice with a smooth, dry finish. Twelve signature traditional and fynbos botanicals delicately augment Victoria Handcrafted Amber. Best served over crushed ice with tonic or lemonade and garnished with orange peel or a cinnamon stick.
VICTORIA BLUE GIN
Victoria Classic handcrafted Blue bursts with a bouquet of African and Traditional botanicals. The infusion of blueberry gives Victoria Blue its striking blue appearance. Smooth of the palate with a hint of citrus. Best served over crushed ice with tonic water or lemonade and garnished with blueberries.
BLACK ROSE RUBY GIN
The botanicals are imbued with natural blood orange to create a unique taste experience. Like the blood orange fruit, Black Rose Ruby has a distinctive taste on the palate. Richer in flavour, creating a savoring sensation. And just in time for summer!
BLACK ROSE BLUSH GIN
Black Rose Blush Gin is expertly crafted in a copper pot for enhanced flavour enrichment, using only the finest botanicals and natural ingredients. The pink hue from natural pomegranate infusion sets this gin apart in appearance and taste. It’s proudly produced and distilled in South Africa. Infused with natural pomegranate to create a light, fresh burst of flavour.
THE BOTANIST ISLAY DRY GIN 22
The botanist is a gin of layered complexity. A progressive exploration of the botanical heritage of the isle of Islay. Nine classic gin botanicals are augmented by 22 local herbs and flowers, foraged responsibly and by hand from the hills, shores and bogs of this fertile hebridean island. The spirit is satin smooth gliding over the palate like no gin you have ever tried before. A totally seductive experience.
TANQUERAY FLOR DE SEVILLA GIN
A sun-kissed gin made with Seville oranges and orange blossom, giving it delicious flavours of the Mediterranean. Try pairing this with Mediterranean tonic, or using it to give a citrus twist to classic gin cocktails. Flor de Sevilla comes in the iconic Tanqueray bottle that was originally inspired by a three-part cocktail shaker.
TANQUERAY NO 10 GIN
Tanqueray No.10 takes its name from ‘Tiny Ten’, the nickname of the small copper pot still where every drop is produced, but there is nothing minor about its flavour. The only gin made using whole citrus fruit, including white grapefruit, lime, and orange, along with juniper, coriander, and a hint of chamomile flowers, No.10 has a unique, full-bodied character and citrus undertone. It is this combination of full body and fresh flavour that has made it a perennial favourite amoungst passionate bartenders.
ROKU GIN
The first gin from Japan’s legendary Suntory – Roku Gin. This expression is made using a selection of botanicals, including six Japanese botanicals that provide a whistle-stop tour of the four seasons. These include sakura leaf and sakura flower for spring, sencha tea and gyokuro tea for summer, sansho pepper for autumn and yuzu peel for winter. Traditional gin botanicals also featured include the likes of juniper, orange peel, lemon peel, coriander and cinnamon, among others.
CEDER’S CRISP GIN
This is a distilled non-alcoholic alt-gin made with classic gin and exotic South African botanicals, found only in the Cederberg Mountains of the Western Cape. CEDER’S is bottled in Sweden, after blending with pristine Swedish water. Enjoy a characteristic alt-gin experience everyday, as Swedish style and perfection is juxtaposed with wild South African botanicals, creating synergy and harmony.
MONKEY 47 GIN
An unusual gin from the Black Forest in Germany, Monkey 47 contains a unique ingredient. Cranberries! The 47 comes from the number of botanicals that go into this unique gin, and the fact it’s bottled at a healthy 47%. Predictably complex, this is a robust and powerful gin with plenty of spice, fruit and herb flavours. It’s very well structured, and difficult to unpick but a citrus fresh start segues into pine and wood notes for a drying finish.
MALFY ORIGINALE GIN
MALFY GIN Originale is distilled with Juniper, Coriander and five other botanicals. It is blended with pure spring water from the nearby Monviso mountain – the highest altitude source of any spring in Italy. The base of the bottle is inspired of the mountain lakes and the label colors reflect the snow capped peak.
MALFY CON LIMONE GIN
MALFY Gin Con Limone marries the finest Italian coastal lemons with our family’s unique gin recipe to create a one-of-a kind spirit. Distilled with classic Italian Juniper and Sfusato lemon peels from the AMALFI Coast – it has delightful citrus and juniper on the nose with a complex flavor of anise, citrus and coriander. Perfect with a premium tonic and a slice of lemon.
MALFY GIN ROSA
This bright delicious gin is like no other. Our sun-ripened Sicilian Pink Grapefruits are grown in citrus groves on the Mediterranean coast where the mountains greet the sea. The taste is juicy fresh grapefruit, with a rich long juniper finish. Enjoy this colorful burst of Italian sunshine on the rocks, with tonic or in your favourite cocktail.
MALFY CON ARANCIA
MALFY Con Arancia’s key botanical additions are Blood Orange peels sourced from Sicily.Blood Oranges are a prized variety in Sicily – and harvested in November – their rich red color develops from the cool Mediterranean nights. The Blood Orange peels are steeped in alcohol and pressed in a basket press. The infusion is then blended with juniper and other botanicals before being distilled in a stainless steel vacuum still.
INVERROCHE NO 2 COCO L’ORANGE GIN
No.2 Coco L’Orange is a gin with zesty character and a hint of spice. On the nose, dark chocolate, orange blossoms, coffee beans and toasted hot cross buns arise. The palate enjoys layers of caramel fudge, candied ginger, rooibos, and marmalade, followed by honey, hay, subtle juniper and a pinch of pepper.
INVERROCHE AMBER GIN
Infused with fynbos from the coastal region and dunes of the Cape Floral Kingdom, Inverroche Gin Amber is a rich and aromatic, amber coloured gin with fresh citrus, slight juniper, sweet toffee apples and delicate floral notes which intertwine to deliver a dry, woody finish.
INVERROCHE VERDANT GIN
Infused with fynbos from the mountainous terrain of the Cape Floral Kingdom, Inverroche Gin Verdant is floral and soft with a translucent golden-green hue. Delicate aromas reminiscent of elderflower and chamomile, lead to summer blooms, a touch of spice, subtle juniper, waxy lemon rind and alluring liquorice on the palate.
BEEFEATER LONDON PINK GIN
Beefeater Pink is a vibrant strawberry gin from Beefeater London. The soft fruit flavours of strawberry tune perfectly with classic notes of juniper and citrus to produce a finely balanced contemporary London gin with a hit of sweet strawberry. Made with 100% grain spirit.
BEEFEATER 24 LONDON DRY GIN
Inspired by the British obsession with tea, Beefeater 24 is a sophisticated and modern London Dry Gin, designed to inspire mixologists around the world. Made in the heart of London from 12 hand-selected botanicals and exotic teas giving this award-winning gin its full, complex flavour. The inclusion of Japanese Sencha and Chinese Green Tea in the botanical blend distinguishes Beefeater 24 from any other gin, helping to shape its unique aroma and smoothness, while the addition of grapefruit peel ensures that Beefeater’s signature citrus flavour remains present. Created by master distiller Desmond Payne, Beefeater 24 London Dry Gin features bright, clean notes of citrus and juniper coupled with a long finish of spicy coriander and dry angelica. A superior London Dry Gin infused for 24 hours prior to distillation.
AUTOGRAPH GIN
Like the first bottles of gin painstakingly created by medieval monks, each bottle of Autograph is carefully crafted by hand. It’s unique taste is derived from the blended botanicals and fynbos selected by its master distillers. Underpinned by the distinctive scent of juniper berries combined with refreshing citrus flavours it features base notes of Angelica root, overtones of fragrant coriander, hints of delicious artemesia afra and top notes of buchu.
AUTOGRAPH DISTILLERY ROAD GIN
A modern gin for the contemporary gin drinker. A wonderful mix between old and new. Distillery road (or DR and tonic) blends the contemporary taste with the London dry method. Distillery Road leads with top notes of lime and coriander on the nose, following on the palate with distinct warmth from the use of cracked black pepper leading the ginger to create a warm rounded mouthfeel.
ARBIKIE KIRSTY’S GIN
Kirsty’s Gin is named after the master distiller at Arbikie, Kirsty Black, who carefully chose local botanicals to represent Arbikie’s unique landscape and surroundings. Smooth, creamy, floral, citrus, delicate black pepper notes.
ARBIKIE AK’S GIN
AK’S Gin is distilled using wheat farmed at Arbikie.It is flavoured with fresh honey, black pepper and cardamon. Warm, spicy background, sweet honey notes, caramel.
JUNIPER MOON GIN
Juniper Moon’s classic London Dry Gin is distilled in batches of less than 300 bottles using a traditional copper pot still. Carefully selected ingredients are gently vapour bathed to create a distinctive and intriguing flavour. A handful of botanicals make up the heart of the recipe, but from time to time they introduce something new and exciting, taking you on a voyage of discovery through the world of gins.
FIRKIN GIN TRY ME NAKED
The gin is made with a selected recipe of botanicals, including juniper, coriander seed, angelica root and orris root, which are infused with the base spirit and distilled four times. Interestingly Firkin usually maturate their gin in American oak casks, no doubt taking inspiration from their whisky heritage, with this new gin however they have decided to skip the maturation and bottle the gin without aging, hence the “Naked” brand (it is not actually instructing you to drink the gin naked, but what you do in your own home is your business).
FIRKIN GIN ROSIE
The gin is a luscious and soft with fruity flavours and a super smooth finish. You can truly stop and smell the roses here. Rosie’s nose is, well, rather rosey with a hint of juniper. Expect a bit of spice on the palate and fresh vanilla on the finish with plenty of fruitiness along the way.
DUKE SUMMERFIELDS ZERO NON-ALCOHOLIC GIN
The same authenticity, the same botanicals, farm-to-bottle, column distilled for a discerning drinker. Duke Zero is made without alcohol, tried and tested to give the same sensory pleasures, yet without any intoxicating effects. A drink to enjoy with friends when you’re the designated driver, or with bigger challenges tomorrow.
DUKE SPORTSMAN TRADITIONAL LONDON DRY
Duke Sportsman is fermented and distilled in small batches on the estate. Masterful infusions during distillation produce a spirit where the purplish pine of juniper takes the royal lead, while subdued hints of exotic spice add a grounded earthiness. A touch of citrus adds the perfect finishing accent.
DUKE COPPER GIN
Authentic, farm-to-bottle, triple-distilled, barrel-aged for 6 months. Navy Strength with 56% ABV – definitely not for the faint-hearted.
CARMIEN ROOIBOS GIN
Juniper berries and a touch of Citrus are the signature botanicals in this smooth gin, distilled with a fragrant blend of Rooibos, Honeybush, Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg and Blackpepper. Fresh on the palate with subtle hints of spice and citrus.
BLIND TIGER BLUE GIN
The creators of internationally acclaimed Blind Tiger Gin introduce Blind Tiger Blue. An exotic infusion of Blueberry, Elderflower and Dragon fruit that delivers a fruity spin on contemporary gin.
For more information:
Tel: 021 794 2151
https://www.wadebaleswinesociety.co.za/
