There was plenty of bubbly flowing when Pongrácz marked its 25th anniversary on September 28, 2015, at the trendy CAAM Gallery in De Waterkant, Cape Town.

Working in close association with CAAM Gallery owner, Jean du Plessis, conceptual decor artist Alwijn Burger of Blomboy and Chef Steffen Olivier of The Chef’s Bench, Pongrácz combined art, food and flower installations to take guests on a symbolic journey of the brand in a multi-levelled space.

Established in 1990, Pongrácz combined elegance, finesse and tradition with a bold statement.  The popular Méthode Cap Classique is composed of two noble grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which Pongrácz helped to establish in the Cape during his tenure as viticulturist.

“There is no doubt that Pongie, as he was fondly called by his friends, was a true pioneer who challenged established traditions. He left his mark on the landscape and in the hearts of his friends who produced Pongrácz in honour and celebration of his brave and bold life. It is only fitting that Pongrácz still enjoys its market leader status with its enduring quality and longevity,” says Marketing Manager, Kelly Heinrich.

After leading the Cap Classique wave for over a decade with the Brut, Pongrácz raised the bar even further with the launch of the grande cuvée, Desiderius, in 2002, and a Brut Rosé in 2009.

Rising to the challenge of creating unexpected, bold pairings to showcase the character and versatility of each of these three Pongrácz Cap Classiques, Chef Olivier created an elaborate menu of unexpected combinations.

 

With its beautiful balance of crisp acidity and fragrant green apples, finished off with subtle brioche, the Pongrácz Brut is a perfect match for oysters with apple, wild ginger and rosemary.

For the blushing Pongrácz Rosé with its red berry notes, Olivier whipped up delicious sous-vide duck, wild mushroom with a dash of kale salt and a hint of truffle.

The entire range is available for purchase at www.vinoteque.co.za or at leading liquor retailers.