2016 Aristea Méthode Cap Classique Rosé, Stellenbosh, South AfricaThis prestige cuvee Methode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wine is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. The grapes were carefully selected for best quality and hand picked in the cool early hours of the morning. A slow and gentle whole bunch press was done on the grapes and only the first press fraction (cuvee) best juice was used from each batch. After settling, the juice was racked and inoculated with yeast for the alcoholic fermentation, and

Wines from this region have unique aromatic properties which many claim come from the dry Provencal herbs which cover the hillsides: thyme

liberated and at ease

the production of which is three quarters white wine and one quarter red

much of it coming from old-vines

in all aspects

This is a rarity in Chablis and a feat of extreme diligence in this often inhospitable vinegrowing region

also known here as “Beaunois

Each parcel is hand-harvested and vinified separately

gently pressed and fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts

The 2024 vintage yielded vibrant wines with excellent concentration

in the heart of the AOP Cotes du Rhone

Vines are grown on a mix of clay-limestone hillsides and flint-clay plateaus