Why Cap Classique is South Africa’s Greatest Wine Story

Fifty-five years ago, South Africa produced its very first bottle of Cap Classique. Today, that once-young category has matured into one of the world’s most exciting sources of traditional-method sparkling wine. Made using the same painstaking bottle fermentation as Champagne, Cap Classique has evolved far beyond being simply an affordable alternative. With exceptional vineyards, longer lees ageing and a generation of ambitious winemakers determined to create wines with their own identity, South Africa is producing sparkling wines that deserve to be judged on their own merits.

As specialists in South African wine, we’ve had the privilege of watching that evolution firsthand. This week we’re celebrating two very different expressions of modern Cap Classique: the exclusive Van Hunks range, bringing fun, freshness and remarkable value, alongside the newly arrived Hazendal Blanc de Noirs 2020, a beautifully crafted vintage Cap Classique from one of Stellenbosch’s most exciting emerging fine wine estates.

Whether you’re discovering Cap Classique for the first time or already a devotee, there’s never been a better time to drink South African bubbles.

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Western Cape

Meticulously hand-crafted, this bottle-fermented masterpiece was matured on the lees for over 72 months before dégorging. A sublimely elegant and classically styled Cap Classique layered with complexity. The extended bottle fermentation adds beautiful depth to the nose delivering a quintessential biscuity bouquet, whilst the palate displays a fine mousse of delicate lingering bubbles that deliver great finesse and subtle aromas. The result is a mouth-watering finish to ‘tickle the back of your brain’.

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Western Cape

16 Points – Jancis Robinson MW
“I thought that the name ‘Van Hunks’ was a tongue-in-cheek made-up name but according to the back label, it’s from a genuine legend. Ahem. The fizz is pretty nice. Creamy. Think fresh scone piled with whipped cream and lemon curd. It’s easy, all rounds and swirls and slow, easy circles rather than angles and lines. The bubbles hiss ever so softly, like ocean foam up a white-sand beach.”- Tamlyn Currin.

Pinot Meunier, Pinotage, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Western Cape

Delicate berry fruit, lively mousse and unmistakable Cape charm. An easy-drinking rosé Cap Classique that overdelivers for the price.

Pinot Noir, Stellenbosch

Hazendal Blanc de Noir Cap Classique is a sparkling wine to be enjoyed on any occasion year-round. Lively appetizer or with fresh seafood, salads, charcuterie, and curry dishes. Rose petal, strawberries, raspberries, bruised apple with subtle brioche notes. Full palate with a fine beaded mousse and creamy texture. Pale Pink-Orange in colour.

What Makes Cap Classique Different?

Rather than trying to imitate Champagne, South Africa has spent the past five decades developing its own sparkling identity.

Every bottle of Cap Classique undergoes the same traditional bottle fermentation used in Champagne, where the second fermentation happens inside each bottle before months—or often years—of ageing on the lees to build texture, complexity and those unmistakable brioche and biscuit aromas.

What makes South Africa different is its vineyards. Cool maritime climates, exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and a new generation of ambitious producers have transformed Cap Classique into one of the country’s most exciting fine wine categories.

Today, the best examples offer remarkable precision, freshness and complexity while representing some of the finest value in the sparkling wine world.

From the legendary story of Jan van Hunks to the meticulous craftsmanship behind Hazendal’s Blanc de Noirs, these wines capture both sides of modern Cap Classique: playful, approachable enjoyment and world-class winemaking.

If you’ve only ever reached for Champagne, this is the perfect opportunity to discover why South Africa’s sparkling revolution is one of the wine world’s best-kept secrets.