Fairview releases a Méthode Cap Classique

Tuesday, 14 May, 2013
Fairview
Fairview is delighted to announce the release of their very first Méthode Cap Classique (MCC). Rare across the world and the debut of its kind in South Africa, the Fairview MCC is a Rhône-style blend produced from Viognier (36%), Grenache Noir (34%) and Grenache Blanc (30%). As part of the Fairview Winemaker Selection Range, the MCC will be a limited-release wine, with only 6000 bottles produced in total.
“After completing a 6-week sparkling wine internship at Nyetimber Winery in West Sussex in 2010, Fairview Owner Charles Back challenged the winemaking team and I to produce our own MCC. True to his innovative nature, Charles’ only request was that it had to be made from Rhône varietals. As most wine enthusiasts know, MCC is usually made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Nonetheless, led by an adventurous and experimental spirit, we picked parcels of Viognier, Grenache Blanc and Grenache Noir during the 2011 harvest and used that as the base wine,” says winemaker Stephanie Betts.

The grapes were picked from the trellised vineyards on the Fairview farm on the slopes of Paarl Mountain. Hand-picked in the cool morning and transported in crates to maintain the best possible conditions, the grapes were transferred to the press by hand and gently whole-bunch pressed. Only the free-running juice was used. Once settled, the clear juice was transferred into stainless steel tanks for fermentation. The blended wine was left on the lees in tanks for 5 months before bottling for second fermentation, which took place in the bottle under crown cap. The wine was then left to mature on the lees for an additional 18 months before it was disgorged.

The Brut-style MCC displays a pale straw colour in the glass. It is elegant and zesty, offering notes of citrus which lead to a refreshing acidity on the palate with everlasting bubbles. On the nose, you will find fresh aromas of baked apple, biscuit and a hint of white flowers. Having spent a total of 18 months on the lees, the MCC shows a beautiful, fine mousse.

The Fairview Méthode Cap Classique is best enjoyed with Fairview soft cream cheese, sushi and oysters.

For more information regarding Fairview MCC please contact us on Tel: +27.218632450 email us at info@fairview.co.za or visit www.fairview.co.za

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Fairview Methode Cap Classique
Fairview Methode Cap Classique

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