South African sparkling rosé

I'm in love, I'm in love...

Photo by Mads Eneqvist on Unsplash

Spier Brut Rosé 2019 is my new favorite sparkling rosé!  It is made with 100% Pinot Noir grapes in the traditional method (aka Champagne method).  It is from South Africa where traditional method wines are called Méthode Cap Classique (MCC).  BUT not all traditional method wines, MCC or otherwise are created equal.

Source: Vivino

“I’m in love, I’m in love and I don’t care who knows it”

Buddy the Elf 2003

The reason Champagne is Champagne is because of where the grapes are grown but also the precision and attention to detail in the winemaking.  This beauty has some of those quality winemaking practices such as hand harvesting, whole bunch press, and lees aging for 14 months.  Champagne has a minimum of 12 months lees ageing - although most producers exceed this minimum.  The result – some toast and pastry flavours.  Since I paired it with plain chips the other night … I keep fantasizing of the next bottle.  It also has ripe strawberry and cranberry notes with delicate mousse (that is a fancy way of saying the bubbles feel nice in your mouth!)

This rosé punches above its weight for the price at about $22.  The reasons are likely two-fold.  South African wines are a good value due to cheaper labour and lesser demand for their product.  But most importantly these grapes are grown in Elgin region which is one of the coolest regions in South Africa due to ocean breezes and altitude both contributing to cool nights.  This results in a slow growing season providing fruit with more elegance and higher acidity – perfect for making sparklers!  Yum!

Spier Brut Rosé 2019 is found in Alberta here.  Most importantly …. Dun dum… also at Cork Fine Wine, Liquor and Ale in Bow Valley Square downtown Calgary, where Shade of Grape subscribers receive a 15% discount!!  I work mostly Wednesdays but if I am not there … just say Eveline sent ya!  😊