That the Pendock Wine Gallery @ Taj is the future for the top end of the SA wine was confirmed last week when a copy-cat wine gallery opened at Ellerman House in Bantry Bay. After all, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. The wine gallery concept is so popular, we’ve decided to double the size of our original gallery by opening Pendock Private Cellar next door. A bespoke retailer, we’ll focus on fine SA brandy and terroir wine retail. We’ll also be opening the gallery seven days a week to keep up with demand. Our December exhibition, Festive Fizz, curated by Pieter Bubbles Ferreira, opens at 6pm on Thursday.

There can be no one better qualified than Pieter, cellar master at Graham Beck, to curate a show of Méthode Cap Classique wines. He’s been Diners Club Winemaker of the Year for his award winning fizz and his bubbles are beloved of a certain Mr. Barack Obama of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC.

The theme for this exhibition is revolutionary bubblies: MCC that has broken the mould and gone bravely where no winemaker had dared to go before. His six revolutionaries:

Simonsig – Cap Classique was born with Kaapse Vonkel which was first pioneered by Frans Malan in 1971. This was the first commercial bottle fermented Sparkling Wine, today known as Cap Classique. This year marks the 42nd year since the first Cap Classique was made in South Africa. Kaapse Vonkel (translated to English is Cape Sparkler) – The MCC for the bubbles show is Kaapse Vonkel.

Villiera – First South African Cap Classique to team up with French expertise in 1983 – Jean-Louis Denois – a Champagne grower that assisted Jeff Grier in developing firstly their Tradition at Villiera in 1983. The MCC for the bubbles show is Munro Brut.

Clos Cabriere – Pierre Jourdan: South Africa’s first specialist cellar for Cap Classique. Achim von Arnim who need no introduction started this in Franschhoek in 1984. Pieter had the privilege to spent 7 years with Achim producing Pierre Jourdan in the early years. The MCC for the bubbles show is Pierre Jourdan Brut.

The House of Krone – South Africa’s first night harvested grapes for Cap Classique. This Special Release is named after the family founder, Nicolas Charles Krone, is microbiologically stable, and a true celebration of the vintner’s art. The newest star to the Krone constellation! The MCC for the bubbles show is Nicolas Charles Krone Marque I.

The House of JC le Roux – Desiderius: South Africa’s first Cap Classique who celebrates a viticulturist. Inspired by Desiderius Poncracz, a nobleman and refugee from Hungarian uprising who revolutionised winemaking and revitalised viticulture in the Cape. The MCC for the bubbles show for December is Desiderius Pongracz.

Graham Beck – The region of Robertson first Cap Classique which has become the wine brand for Presidents and Royal’s alike. Graham beck Wines has over the years established themselves as a leading producer of Cap Classique. The MCC for the bubble show is Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs.