Cap Classique is the name for any wine made in South Africa accordingly to the Methode Traditionnelle. The words "Champagne" and "Champenoise" may exclusively be used for wines made in Champagne.

The first Cap Classique wine was produced in 1971 by Frans Malan at Simonsig under the name "Kaapse Vonkel". Today, the global production is growing steadily and amounts to about 5.000.000 bottles a year (less than 2% of the Champagne Region).

Unlike in France, neither the area of grapes growing nor the grapes varieties are restricted, which gives each producer much more creativity. However, most of them are members of the "Cap Classique Association" whose mission is to ensure consistency, improvement and image development of the product.

Although a young product in a young country, the quality of the Cap Classique is permanently improving, for the best enjoyment of the South African bubbly-lover.

One must not try to compare Cap Classique to Champagne. They each have their own individuality and qualities. Whereas the best French Champagne is always going to be more complex, the best Cap Classique possesses clean, fresh flavours. There can be great Cap Classique just as there are great Champagnes. A blind tasting with a few friends of mixed bottles always provides great learning and enjoyment.

To learn more : www.capclassique.co.za