One for the books as victory in 2015 Cap Classique Challenge goes to Durbanville
A SURPRISING result, to say the least! The winner of the 2015 Amorim Cork Cap Classique Challenge contested by 114 bubblies comes from a farm better known for red wines, especially Pinotage, aromatic whites including Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc – and not forgetting the Italian variety Barbera. However, while Altydgedacht has been making sparklers from Chardonnay in the traditional way since 2008, their 2013 is a step up in class. Competing against most of the big names in the Cape winelands’ major league, it is the first product of Durbanville to come out on top in the Challenge.
Winemaker Etienne Louw describes the Altydgedacht Blanc de Blanc 2013 as having “aromas of green apple” and “biscuity flavours”. Complex and refreshing, he says, “with a full mouthfeel” and “tantalising, delicate bubbles”. It won the Blanc de Blanc class before going on to be crowned best wine on show and was one of only two entries deemed worthy of a double gold medal.
A 2010 Laborie blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir won the Brut division, a non-vintage Chardonnay Pinot combo from Louisvale won the Rosé category, and the trophy for best Museum Class Cap Classique for older wines went to another blend, Desiderius Pongrácz 2003 from the House of JC Le Roux.
The judges included Cape Wine Master Allan Mullins (chair), Winemag editor Christian Eedes, wine writers Cathy Marston and Samarie Smith, and sommelier/exporter David Clarke. For more info about the Challenge and the complete results including silver and bronze medallists, see the Cap Classique Producers Association website. The jury’s favourites are given below:
DOUBLE GOLD MEDALLISTS
Altydgedacht Blanc de Blanc 2013 – R120
Desiderius Pongrácz 2003 (JC Le Roux) – Museum Class Entry / Sold Out
GOLD MEDAL WINNERS
Ayama Brut Rosé 2011 – R125
Bon Courage Jacques Bruére Blanc de Blancs 2009 – R150
Conradie Friederich Conrady Brut 2009 – R160
Graham Beck Brut Rosé 2010 – R210
JC Le Roux Scintilla 2003 – Museum Class Entry / Sold Out
Kleine Zalze Brut Rosé NV – R90
Krone Borealis Brut 2004 – Museum Class Entry / Sold Out
Laborie Brut 2010 – R86
Laborie Brut 2011 – R86
Louisvale Chardonnay Pinot Noir Rosé NV – R100
Pongrácz NV (JC Le Roux) – R105
Simonsig Cuvée Royale Blanc de Blancs 2011 – R242
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2012 – R115
Uitkyk Glass Memoires Extra Brut 2011 – R130
