Cap Classique
Bottle-fermented sparkling wine · since 1992
Cap Classique is the South African name for sparkling wine made by second fermentation in the bottle, in use since 1992.1,2 The Cap Classique Producers Association states a minimum of 12 months on the lees.2
What the name means
Cap Classique means sparkling wine from the Cape made by the classic method: the second fermentation happens in the bottle.1,2 The Cap Classique Producers Association was established in 1992, and the term has been used since that year.1,2
The association states a minimum of 12 months of lees contact.2 This is the association's figure; the legal minimum under the Wine of Origin scheme was not verified for this page.
History
According to the association, the first Cap Classique was made by Frans Malan at Simonsig Estate from the 1971 harvest. It was named Kaapse Vonkel and released in 1973.2
Disputed: other, earlier claims of bottle fermentation in South Africa have been reported in the trade press. The 1971 date is the association's account.
By 2021 the association counted more than 250 producers and more than ten million bottles a year.2
Grapes
| Period | Grapes |
|---|---|
| First wine (1971 harvest) | Chenin Blanc |
| Most wines today | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier |
Source for both rows: the association.2 See Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier.
How it compares
Twelve months on the lees is longer than the nine months set by the English PDO, for example.2,3 For more comparisons, see ageing minimums.
Not to be confused
Cap Classique is not a geographical appellation with a delimited area like Champagne; the name describes a method and a group of producers in the Cape.1,2
See also
Sources
- Cap Classique Producers Association home page
- Cap Classique Producers Association. Cap Classique 50 year celebration: About (2021)
- Defra. English Wine PDO specification (December 2011), Part 2 Quality Sparkling Wine (2011-12)
Facts checked on 2026-10-19