In a year marked by a remarkable surge in entries for the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge, KWV Laborie emerged as the standout winner, claiming the prestigious title of Best Producer Overall with their Laborie Blanc de Blancs 2017. Notably, Laborie also secured the trophy for Best Blanc de Blancs, sharing the winners’ podium with other outstanding wines: Domaine des Dieux Claudia 2017 (Best Brut), Louisvale MCC Rosé NV (Best Rosé), Newstead Blanc de Blanc 2016 (Best Extended Aged Cap Classique for vintages from 2016 and older), and Darling Cellars Nectar 2020 (Best Nectar).
Sponsored by Amorim Cork, the world’s leading producer of cork wine closures headquartered in Portugal, the Cap Classique Challenge has been a yearly tradition since 2002 and remains South Africa’s largest platform for recognizing and awarding Cap Classique wines. This event is organized in collaboration with the Cap Classique Producers Association, the official governing body for this traditional bottle-fermentation method introduced in South Africa by the late Frans Malan of Simonsig in 1971.
Joaquim Sá, the Managing Director of Amorim Cork in South Africa and the original organizer of the Cap Classique Challenge 22 years ago, emphasized that this year’s record-breaking 157 wine entries underscored the vibrancy of the Cap Classique category and the growing number of producers participating in this premium segment of South African wine. He noted, “The Cap Classique Challenge not only serves as a platform for recognizing the country’s top Cap Classique producers but is also a celebration of this sparkling wine’s essence. Over the past decade, Cap Classique has firmly established itself as a leading wine offering in the Cape, earning accolades from critics and judges, while captivating consumers. The name ‘Cap Classique’ has become a distinctive South African brand, symbolizing a stylish and effervescent lifestyle associated with popping corks and sparkling wine splashes.”
Sá highlighted Amorim’s pivotal role as the world’s leading supplier of corks for sparkling wines globally, working in partnership with the Cap Classique Association to promote awareness of the category and enhance its overall quality. He credited the Cap Classique Association for inspiring producers to craft superior wines and raising awareness of the growing number of exceptional Cap Classiques produced in South Africa.
Heidi Duminy, a Cape Wine Master who chaired the panel of judges, praised the exceptional quality and standards of this year’s entries. She stated, “We have much to celebrate in the Cap Classique category, as more producers are reaping the rewards of patience, resulting in an evident complexity gained from time spent on the lees, balanced by lively fruit character and intricate fine bubbles. Our lasting impression from this year’s entries is overwhelmingly positive, with excitement about the ongoing development of a distinctive South African identity in the various styles and expressions of Cap Classique. The bar has been raised.”
Doug Lund (Newstead, Beste Extended Ageing), Kobus van der Merwe (KWV Laborie, Best Blanc de Blancs and Overall Winner) Anton Smal (Newstead) Sacha Muller (KWV Laborie winemaker) Megan Mullis (Domaine des Dieux, Best Brut), Mieke Karsten (Louisvale, Best Rosé) and Bertrun Titus (Darling Cellars, Best Nectar.)
In addition to the five trophies, gold medals were awarded to exceptional Cap Classiques in different categories:
Double Gold Blanc de Blancs:
- Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2018
- Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2018
- Newstead Blanc de Blancs 2018
- L’Ormarins Blanc de Blancs 2018
Double Gold Brut:
- Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2019
- Pongracz Desiderius 2015
- Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2018
Double Gold Extended Ageing:
- Lourensford Cuvée 124 2011
- Weltevrede Philip Jonker The Ring 2013
Notably, during this year’s Cap Classique Challenge, Michael Fridjhon, South Africa’s foremost wine critic and industry figure, received the Frans Malan Legacy Trophy. Named in honor of the Cap Classique pioneer, this trophy recognizes individuals from the South African wine industry who have made significant contributions to the category. In addition to his advocacy for South African wine, including Cap Classique, Fridjhon played a pivotal role in convening a group of like-minded Cap Classique producers in 1992. Their discussions, which took place in Swaziland, ultimately led to the establishment of the Cap Classique Producers Association.
