What do summer and the Festive Season have in common? You guessed it, lots and lots of bubbly! A recent media trip found me exploring a small part of the Franschhoek Cap Classique Route – a terrible job I know!
Franschhoek Cap Classique Route
I have always associated Franschhoek with some of the most amazing bubbly in South Africa! The Franschhoek Cap Classique Route consists of 24 MCC producers and is the largest of its kind in South Africa.
As well as being home to some of the best bubbly, Franschhoek also hosts one of my favourite festivals, The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival. ‘The Magic of Bubbles’ takes place over the weekend of 3 and 4 December, at the iconic Huguenot Monument.
The Franschhoek MCC Route extends from Babylonstoren all the way through to Franschhoek Pass Winery, giving visitors to the area an all round experience of what Franschhoek has to offer. I was able to visit a handful of the 24 MCC producers, which is hopefully enough to wet your appetite!
Babylonstoren
The Babylonstoren Tasting Room, overlooking the vineyards was the perfect venue for our first Cap Classique tasting! Sprankel their maiden MCC, is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes, in the time-honoured Champagne method. The ‘ultra-brut’ MCC has zero *dosage, giving it a wonderfully dry and crisp finish. *For those of you who do not know, “dosage” refers to the sugar added to champagne after disgorgement.
As well as enjoying their superb bubbly, we were treated to a selection of the delicious Babylonstoren Snack Platters. The beautifully presented platters are a feast for the senses and include charcuterie, cheeses, pâté and fresh fruits and vegetables from the estate, and range in price from R150-R200.
The Tasting Room is open daily from 10h00 to 17h00 in winter and 10h00 to 18h00 in summer. Wine tasting starts at R25 p.p. for five wines, with an extra charge per flagship wine: Chardonnay R10, Nebukadnesar R15 & Sprankel R25. For inquires or bookings contact Babylonstoren +27 (0)21 863 3852 or via email.
Plaisir de Merle
This was only my second visit to Plaisir de Merle, which in my opinion is a definite hidden gem of the Franschhoek Valley. The beautifully manicured gardens and breathtaking views across the Valley are reason enough for a return visit.
We enjoyed our MCC tasting in the estates historic Manor House, which dates back to 1764. The beautifully restored building also serves as a guest house, filled with the elegant charm of yesteryear.
Our tasting included the Plaisir de Merle Grand Brut 2011 and 2014 vintage. The Grand Brut is a blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay. I enjoyed the complexity which the Pinot Noir grapes bring to the wine, as well as the wonderful lingering finish on the palate.
Plaisir de Merle offer a Cellar Tour and Tasting which is R120 per person (booking is essential). Alternatively you have the option of a Standard Tasting which is R50 per person. They offer a cheese platter at R80 per person, to enjoy with your tasting. Weekday Tastings are available from 09:00-18:00 (All year round), and on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 10:00-18:00 (All year round). For inquires or bookings contact Plaisir de Merle 021 874 1071 or email.
Boschendal
Boschendal has always been one of my favourite farms in Franschhoek. I have fond memories of long Sunday lunches at the restaurant, lazing on the lawn afterwards, simply too full to move. Boschendal has changed quite a bit over the past few years, with many of the buildings being renovated, as well as the addition of The Werf Restaurant.
The MCC and chocolate pairing at the Boschendal Wine Tasting Centre is real treat, which I would highly recommend. Sitting under the shade of the beautiful old oak tree (the oldest on the estate) we tasted the Boschendal Brut Rose, which was paired with a “Pink Pomegranate” chocolate and then the Boschendal Brut which was paired with “Decadent Delight”. The Brut Rose pairing was a definite winner for me!
The Boschendal Cap Classique range also includes a Grand Cuvee Brut and the Jean Le Long. The prestige Jean Le Long is a 2007 vinatge, which has an extended 60 months *on the lees. {*on the lees refers to the fermentation process. Lees are the dead yeast cells and other particles remaining in a wine after fermentation.}
After our tasting we enjoyed a lunch at The Werf Restaurant, which was absolutely delicious! As I mentioned The Werf is a recent addition to Boschendal. The restaurant is an elegantly decorated, contemporary space, which overlooks the estates impressive “kitchen garden”.
The Tasting Centre is open from 10:00 – 16:30 daily and the Chocolate Wine tasting is R75 per person. (Booking is Essential) For inquires or bookings contact Boschendal +27 (0) 21 870 4210/11 or email.
Allée Bleue
Our last stop for the day was Allée Bleue and our tasting was aptly paired with a selection of deserts. The farm produces a Brut and a Brut Rosé. The 2012 Brut is a classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which spends 28 months on the lees. The 2013 Brut Rosé is a lively blend of Pinotage, Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc, which spends 14 months on the lees.
The tasting room is open Monday – Friday from 09h00 – 17h00, Saturday from 10h00 -17h00 and Sunday & Public Holidays from 10h00 – 16h00. You can also enjoy a picnic on the lawn after you MCC tasting and relax under shade of the old oak trees. For inquiries or bookings contact Allée Bleue 021 874 1021 or email.
The Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival
As I mentioned one of the highlights on the Franschhoek MCC calendar, is the Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival. The Magic of Bubbles takes place over the weekend of 3 and 4 December, at the iconic Huguenot Monument. The theme for this year is Black and White with a Floral Flair.
Sip on one of the many local MCC’s, as well as as selection of France’s best Champagnes. Delectable culinary delights from the local restaurants, will also be available to keep hunger pangs at bay.
Tickets cost R350 per person and include access to the festival, which is open daily between 12pm and 5pm, a complimentary tasting glass and tasting coupons. Additional vouchers can be purchased on the day. You can book tickets directly through Webtickets.
Explore the Franschhoek MCC Route
I hope that this has inspired you to explore the Franschhoek MCC Route! For more information on the MCC Route and a list of all the producers please visit the Franschhoek Valley Website.
[…] may recall a recent post I did on the Franschhoek MCC Route, if not pop over and have a read. One of the tantalising tastings you can enjoy on this route is […]