The line-up of 29 Rose bubblies at the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge held at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa in rainy Newlands yesterday (no leaks) were livened up by unexpected cultivars. There was a sparkling Shiraz, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Chenin and more than a couple made with Pinotage thrown into the mix.

Which did not come as any surprise to this judge as logistics were expertly executed by Elsabe Ferreira who handles the Absa Top Ten Pinotage Competition with Rudi Perold (above) the auditor, (great) grandson of Pinotage creator Abraham Perold.