In 1991 my Mom and Dad planted a block of Pinot Noir PN52, a Burgundy clone selected for use in the production of Pongrácz, Methode Cap Classique.
Thirty years on, with the vineyard still in pristine condition, it seemed time to produce our maiden Cap Classique. Time to call on the expertise of Matthew Krone, a celebrated Cap Classique afficionado.
Grapes were picked by hand and delivered to the cellar.
Cap Classique undergoes two fermentations: the first in a tank (or barrel) to create a light, still, base wine and the second in the final bottles where the future bubbles are formed.
After gentle whole-bunch pressing, the juice was settled and racked before inoculation with yeast for the alcoholic fermentation. Thereafter, full malolactic fermentation was completed on the base wine. After malolactic fermentation, the wine was inoculated with a measured quantity of yeast and sugar before bottling under crown cork for secondary fermentation.
Carbonic gas formed as a by-product during secondary bottle fermentation, is absorbed under pressure to eventually be released as those tingling bubbles. Champagne and Cap Classique are often distinguished by time spent on the lees in secondary fermentation. Bottled in July 2022, our first batch of Blanc de Noir Brut underwent secondary fermentation and bottle maturation for 16 months. The balance of the vintage is still under crown cork on the lees, enhancing complexity for future disgorgement.
But I am getting ahead of myself. The 2023 Rugby World Cup final was played on 28 October 2023, some months before planned disgorgement. Win or lose, I stored a few un-disgorged bottles upside down in the fridge for post-match celebration (or commiseration). The Springbok win certainly made opening an un-disgorged bottle upside-down more special!
As mentioned, our first batch of Blanc de Noir Brut underwent secondary bottle fermentation and maturation for 16 months on the lees before riddling, disgorgement, dosage and corking.
Designing the labels and selection of the finery was lots of fun.
Our distinctive MVM 100 Blanc de Noir Brut was released in 2024 in centennial celebration of Margaret Victoria Mavis, celebrated Matriarch of the Hills family.
The Hills Wine 