Napoleon, in his wisdom, said something along the lines of sparkling wine being vital for times of victory and necessary in moments of defeat.
While sparkling wine has become synonymous with celebration, it often also makes a phenomenal accompaniment to a variety of dishes – whether it is in its sweet or sec state or enjoyed dry as a brut.
Bring the stars to your table by pairing sparkling wine with your meal to turn every occasion into a memorable one.
1. Nederburg Premiere Cuvee Brut NV Sparkling Wine (R99)
A sparkling blend of predominantly chenin blanc and sauvignon blanc grapes, Nederburg Premiere Cuvee Brut is a non-vintage sparkling wine. The wine was left on the lees – in contact with the residual yeast – for almost two months prior to blending.
This wine is a light lemon colour, and it smells like white pears and subtle stone fruit. The slight tropical fruit flavours make it the perfect accompaniment to a summer afternoon at a riverside – or a delicious pork dish with playful pistachio flavours.
Pair with: Stone fruit slaw
2. Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc (R116)
Constantia sauvignon blanc is one of life’s great delights. Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc is a sparkling wine made from Constantia grapes. With tropical fruit and citrus aromas on the nose, it has exuberant acidity and follows through with tropical fruit flavours on the palate.
Steenberg Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc is made in the traditional method – with the second fermentation in the bottle, albeit for three months.
Pair with: Southern fried chicken
Produced in the method cap classique, or the method traditional, Laborie Brut Rose Cap Classique brings an air of refinement to any celebration. Made from pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, the wine was matured on the lees for 24 months.
Pale salmon in colour, the bubbly reveals red fruit aromas on the nose, with a slight citrus character. The bubbles are fine, with a mousse-like feel and a persistent citrus flavour. This cap classique is a delightful accompaniment to a variety of shellfish or seafood dishes.
Pair with: Quick potjie mussels in a creamy green curry sauce
4. Kleine Zalze Brut NV Cap Classique (R135)
With a mesmerising blue label, Kleine Zalze Brut NV is a charm during long poolside days. Made using pinot noir from False Bay and chardonnay grapes from Robertson in the method cap classique, the wine is exquisite to look at both in the bottle and in the glass.
On the nose, red fruit and citrus flavours are met with slight brioche characters. This is a stylish bubbly, from its fine mousse to its long finish. It brings panache to brunch and meets moments of celebration with regality.
Pair with: The perfect eggs Benedict
The Slanghoek Valley is a picturesque enclave near the Breedekloof. This less-beaten path is renowned for producing some exceptional chenin blanc, alongside other treasures. Among these is Slanghoek Cuvee Brut, made from chardonnay and chenin blanc in the method cap classique.
This dry sparkling wine is dubbed vonkel, meaning “sparkle” in Afrikaans. A light lemon colour, the wine sparkles in the glass and has buoyant bubbles. With citrus and apple notes on the nose, the wine is crisp and has a creamy mouthfeel.
Pair with: Festive pork terrine with green fig and pistachio