By Amy Rankin
Bubbles, darling!
Studies have shown that drinking one to three glasses of bubbly per week can boost brain power. While we love Eddie and Patsy, there’s so much more to bubbly than Bolly.
We’re big fans of these local MCCs…
1. Wonderfontein Paul René Brut (R180)
The biggest local bubbly fest, the Franschhoek Magic of Bubbles Cap Classique and Champagne Festival takes place3to4 December. You can taste SA’s top bubblies, like the Paul René Brut.
2. Carrol Boyes Collection Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2012 (R200)
SA decor designer Carrol Boyes has extended the, erm, vine branch to include a bubbly in her stable. A great gift for the fans.
3. Steenberg 1682 Brut Chardonnay (R134)
Chill your bubbly to around 5°C, so the bubbles are fine, not foamy. We rate this Steenberg as damn fine!
4. L’Ormarins Blanc de Blancs (R220)
This new bubbly from L’Ormarins is a 100 percent Chardonnay and perfect on hot summer days with prawns or pudding.
5. Van Loveren Family Vineyards Christina MCC Brut (R120)
A teaspoon does not stop a bubbly from going flat, says Van Loveren Family Vineyards winemaker, Chris Crafford. “The myth is believed to have started in France ages ago under the mistaken belief that the silver on a spoon would dispel the bubbles before they were able to escape the bottle, somehow keeping the liquid carbonated. Rather invest in a stopper.” But we think the Christina’s too good not to drink it all.
6. Le Lude MCC Brut 2012 (R220)
While the law in SA states that MCC can be released after one year, Le Lude matures theirs for more than three for a more elegant flavour.
7. Weltevrede Philip Jonker Brut The Ring (R150)
Beware! While bubbly is generally lower in kilojoules than wine (less sugar), that does not mean it’s lighter in alcohol. Most bubblies sit at around 12 percent AVB. The Ring is refreshingly crisp at 11.5.
8. Haute Cabrière Pierre Jourdan Brut (R100)
Scorching days beg for super-chilled bubbly and now you can get your Pierre Jourdan in the form of a PJ Pop – literally a popsicle for adults.
Looking for more festive drink ideas? Try one of these low-kilojoule cocktail recipes.
