Pongrácz wins prized SAA Méthode Cap Classique Trophy
Thursday, 2 December, 2004
Gudrun Clark
Pongrácz, the charismatic bubbly favoured by discerning wine lovers, has clinched the Méthode Cap Classique Trophy at this year’s South African Airways (SAA) Wine Awards.
Chosen as South Africa’s top bubbly by a panel of 12 local and international judges, Pongrácz was one of a record of 1 140 entries submitted by Cape wine producers for the SAA Wine Selection for their 2005 on-board listing.
The biggest selling MCC in South Africa, Pongrácz is an elegant and stylish bubbly composed of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Chardonnay imparts a clean flintiness to the bubbly, whilst the Pinot Noir lends body and taste.
This SAA Trophy winner has crisp green apple tones and a baked bread nuttiness that sets it apart from other MCC’s. Maturation of 24 months on the lees has given this bubbly its famed dry, yeasty character.
"This wine has a beautiful fruit balance that can be attributed to the excellent 2002 harvest and our transition to whole bunch pressing to capture the full flavour elements of the grapes," said victorious winemaker Melanie van der Merwe, who recommends Pongrácz to be enjoyed all on its own or with food such as sushi and oysters.
Pongrácz has a light straw-colour with a greenish tint, a wonderful foaming mousse and a persistent bead. It shows a classical yeast and biscuit character on the nose with a full fruit and acid balance on the palate. The lingering aftertaste of this dreamy MCC is perfectly suited to people who appreciate the finer things in life.
Pongrácz is made in the tradition of great French champagne. After initial cold and malolactic fermentation, a second process of fermentation in the bottle takes place in the dark, temperature controlled cellar, giving rise to the sought after delicate bubbles of this fine MCC. Thereafter the wine is left on the lees for two years and after the removal of sediment by traditional methods of remuage and degorgement, the bottles are corked and laid down to mature for a further 2 months before being released.
Issued by: Gudrun Clark Communications
Contact: Gudrun Clark
Tel: 021-462 0520 Fax: 021-462 0526
e-mail: medcom@mweb.co.za
Issued on behalf of: Distell
Contact: Liezl Dippenaar