Kleine Zalze, the esteemed Stellenbosch wine estate celebrated for its premium selection of Cap Classique sparkling wines, has introduced its inaugural range of Cap Classiques within the flourishing Nectar category. This collection of off-dry sparkling wines encompasses the Kleine Zalze Cape Nectar Blanc and the blush-hued Cape Nectar Rosé. These two non-vintage offerings achieve their complexity and multi-layered flavor profiles through the utilization of traditional Cap Classique cultivars, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The Kleine Zalze Cape Nectar Blanc is artfully crafted from Chardonnay (70%) and Pinot Noir (30%), while the Cape Nectar Rosé embraces a reversed composition, where Pinot Noir constitutes 70% and Chardonnay forms the remaining blend.
Lizmari Geldenhuys, the winemaker at Kleine Zalze who oversaw her cellar’s triumphant achievement of the 2021 Amorim Cap Classique Trophy for Best Producer, explains that the inception of these new wines within Kleine Zalze’s Cap Classique range was driven by a rising consumer preference for the Nectar style of traditionally crafted sparkling wines. Additionally, the aim was to introduce a captivating quality dimension to this category.
Geldenhuys elaborates on their approach, stating, “Our philosophy for the Kleine Zalze Cape Nectar Cap Classique range starts with the pursuit of excellence in the vineyard. We meticulously selected grapes from vineyards that are specifically cultivated for Cap Classique wines, showcasing vibrant acidity and expressive varietal characteristics.” The Chardonnay originates from the renowned limestone-rich soils of Robertson, while the Pinot Noir is sourced from the cooler Stellenbosch vineyards with decomposed granite soils. These grapes are recognized for contributing structure, backbone, and vibrant red fruit notes.
After the base wines concluded their fermentation, they underwent secondary fermentation within the bottle, a transformative stage of Cap Classique production. This process involves lees-contact, which imparts elegance, complexity, and distinctive flavor to the wines, while fostering the characteristic effervescence that distinguishes this style. The wines matured for a substantial two years in the bottle on the lees, cultivating structure and refined elegance.
Geldenhuys further describes the process, “Upon disgorging to remove spent lees, we added the dosage liquor that imparts the off-dry, fruit-forward character of our Nectar. The dosage consists of Cap Classique base wine and natural grape concentrate, elevating the final wine’s sugar content to 42 grams per liter.”
Prior to venturing into the creation of the Nectar Cap Classiques, Kleine Zalze thoroughly examined the market demand for this category, studying analogous wines both locally and internationally. Geldenhuys notes the historical precedence of sweeter sparkling wines, mentioning, “Interestingly, when the popularity of French Champagne began surging in the 19th century, the wines offered were notably sweet. These wines ranged from 60 to over 300 grams of sugar per liter. Therefore, a fruitier classic sparkling wine like the Nectar Cap Classique is not a recent innovation within this wine style.”
In crafting Kleine Zalze Nectar, the goal is to use the subtle sweetness to complement the elegance intrinsic to the Cap Classique profile. Geldenhuys emphasizes the importance of preserving the invigorating freshness and liveliness of the wine, a cherished hallmark of Cap Classique. This is achieved through the deliberate selection of grapes with vibrant acidity. The dosage adds floral nectar notes, enhancing the wine’s inherent fruit flavors while maintaining the delightful, invigorating essence of sipping chilled Cap Classique. Geldenhuys underscores the balance, stating, “It’s crucial to avoid creating a wine in this style that is overly cloying and lacks vibrancy. The wine must embody fruitiness while remaining brisk and fresh.”
Kleine Zalze Cape Nectar Blanc unfolds with green apple, brioche, and lemon zest notes, underscored by a honeysuckle brightness and expansive mouthfeel, leading to a clean, enduring off-dry finish. Meanwhile, the Kleine Zalze Cape Nectar Rosé, adorned with a blush-berry hue, emanates aromas of strawberry and rose petals. It maintains a graceful length, brimming with harnessed energy and a pleasantly mild, sweet berry fruit character.
