South African Sparkling Wine Guide

🍾 What is MCC (Méthode Cap Classique)?

MCC stands for Méthode Cap Classique, South Africa's term for sparkling wines made using the traditional champagne method. The term was adopted in 1992 after a legal agreement with France regarding the use of the word "Champagne."

The MCC Production Process

• Primary Fermentation: Base wine is fermented in tanks
• Blending (Assemblage): Different base wines, vintages, and varietals are blended
• Tirage: Wine is bottled with yeast and sugar for secondary fermentation
• Aging on Lees: Minimum 12 months, often much longer for premium MCCs
• Riddling (Remuage): Bottles are gradually tilted to collect yeast sediment
• Disgorgement: Sediment is removed, dosage added
• Final Aging: Additional bottle aging before release

MCC vs. Champagne

While using the same production method, South African MCCs offer distinct characteristics:

• Often more fruit-forward due to warmer climate
• Excellent value for money compared to Champagne
• Diverse terroir expressions from different regions
• Increasing complexity with vintage and prestige cuvées

🥂 MCC Styles

Blanc de Blancs

Made exclusively from white grapes, typically Chardonnay. These MCCs are elegant, citrus-driven, and age beautifully.

Blanc de Noirs

Made from black grapes (typically Pinot Noir, Pinotage, or Pinot Meunier), producing wines with more body and structure.

Rosé MCC

Pink sparkling wines with vibrant fruit character and elegant structure.

Vintage MCC

Made from grapes from a single exceptional vintage, aged longer for increased complexity.

🍇 Common MCC Grape Varieties

Chardonnay

The most popular white grape for MCC production, providing elegance, acidity, and aging potential.

Pinot Noir

Adds body, structure, and red fruit complexity to blends or standalone Blanc de Noirs.

Chenin Blanc

Uniquely South African, adding texture, honey notes, and distinctive character to MCCs.

Pinotage

Sometimes used in Blanc de Noirs or Rosé MCCs, adding unique South African character.

Pinot Meunier

Provides fruitiness and aromatic complexity in blends.

📍 Top MCC Regions

Robertson

Known as the "Bubbly Capital" of South Africa, with limestone-rich soils ideal for MCC production.

Franschhoek

Cool-climate valley producing elegant, refined MCCs with excellent acidity.

Stellenbosch

Diverse terroir creates complex, structured MCCs with aging potential.

Walker Bay/Hemel-en-Aarde

Cool coastal regions producing Burgundian-style Chardonnay-based MCCs.

Elgin

High-altitude, cool-climate region creating crisp, mineral-driven sparkling wines.

🍷 Other South African Sparkling Wines

Carbonated Sparkling Wine

CO2 is injected into the wine, creating a more affordable option with larger, less persistent bubbles.

Charmat Method (Tank Method)

Secondary fermentation occurs in pressurized tanks rather than bottles. Fresh, fruity style.

Sparkling Moscato

Sweet, aromatic sparkling wines popular for celebrations and desserts.

🥂 Serving MCC

Temperature

Ideal: 6-8°C for non-vintage, 8-10°C for vintage and prestige cuvées

Glassware

Recommended: Tulip-shaped champagne flute or white wine glass (better for aroma)

Avoid: Wide coupe glasses that dissipate bubbles quickly

Opening Technique

• Chill bottle properly
• Remove foil and loosen wire cage
• Hold cork firmly while twisting bottle gently
• Aim for a gentle "sigh" rather than a loud pop
• Pour at an angle to preserve bubbles

Storage

Store horizontally in a cool, dark place. Most MCCs are ready to drink upon release, but vintage MCCs can age 5-10+ years.