Méthode Cap Classique producers have until 16 July to submit their wines for this year’s Amorim Méthode Cap Classique Challenge, the only competition dedicated exclusively to MCC wines. Amorim Cork SA, which is sponsoring the event for the 13th consecutive year, is the convenor of this unique wine competition in conjunction with the MCC Producers Association.
At this year’s MCC Challenge wines will be judged in the following categories: Blanc de Blancs Vintage and Non-Vintage, Rosé Vintage and Non Vintage, Blended Brut Vintage and Non Vintage and a Museum Class for wines including and before the 2007 vintage.
Pieter Ferreira, chairman of the MCC Association, says that to promote inclusivity among MCC producers, entries are also open to non-members of the Association.
“Since its inception, the Amorim MCC Challenge has been about promoting excellence in the production of MCC, a category that has become one of the South African wine industries’ flagship events,” says Ferreira.
“We have seen the number of MCC producers growing annually, and would like to encourage all producers meeting the competition requirements to enter their wines. Not only is the MCC Challenge a showcase for the excellent qualilty of MCC produced in South Africa, but it also has the effect of increasing an awareness of this category among the local and international consumer.”
According to Joaquim Sá, MD of Amorim SA, the MCC Competition has played a major role in making naturally fermented sparkling wines one of the leading categories in the South African wine industry.
“As proud sponsors for 13 years Amorim has seen the dynamic evolution in quality, diversity in styles and winemaker commitment within this category,” he says. “The fizz in the tale, however, has been the way the South African public has embraced Méthode Cap Classique allowing sales to flourish and to warrant the investments producers have made in the production of this style of wine.”
He said the competiton’s popularity continues to grow each year, last year’s MCC competition having attracted 102 entries, the most in its history.
“The judging panel will be announced in due course, but will sit under the convenorship of Cape Wine Master Allan Mullins, South Africa’s leading MCC expert and judge,” says Sá.
This year’s winners will be announced at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa on 18 September.
Entries cost R500 for MCC Associaiton members and R1 500 for non-members.
Non-members entering this year’s competition will gain complimentary Association membership for one year.
For further enquiries regarding entries, contact Elsabé Ferreira Promotions at (021) 863-1552, e-mail [email protected] or see the MCC Producers Association website: http://www.capclassique.co.za/.
