My love for sparkling wine is no secret. In fact, if I had it my way, the first thing that would cross my lips, when I wake up in the morning, would be a glass of bubbly.

An invitation to Kleine Zalze’s very first Methode Cap Classique wine launch, held at Ottimo Cibo in Bishopscourt, Cape Town, was therefore promptly excepted.

Personally, I find it impossible to judge a wine on the first sip. It’s that second sip that kick-starts the taste buds, which allows one to savour the flavours of a wine. The third sip, however, is the deal breaker. This is when it’s time to decide whether you want to take another, or opt for a glass of water instead.

Thankfully, this was not the case with the Kleine Zalze Méthode Cap Classique Vintage Brut 2010. Made from only the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, this refined wine is by far the best bubbly I’ve tasted this side of the year.

The wine came about as a natural progression, as owner Kobus Basson says. “We’ve always wanted to make an MCC. Having worked hard to establish Kleine Zalze as a quality producer of exceptional wines, we knew the time was right to accept the challenge of making an MCC.”

Owner of Kleine Zalze Kobus Basson with his wife Mariette at the Kleine Zalze MCC launch in Cape Town.

According to Kleine Zalze winemaker, Johan Joubert, it was a perfect harvest that produced its fruit. Slow ripening allowed for the optimal development of the grapes. “The launch of an MCC could not have had better timing – nature conspired to produce its best expression of our soils and climate.”

I always experience a little rush every time a new MCC enters the market. This one exceeded my expectations by a mile. The Kleine Zalze team have once again proved why they are one of South Africa’s most reliable wine brands when it comes to taste and price.

The Kleine Zalze Méthode Cap Classique Vintage Brut 2010 will be available at selected specialist wine outlets and at the cellar, and sell for around R140 a bottle.