Our best known bottle fermented sparkling wine. This is where we started in 1984.  An average of 18 months on the lees. Just over 50% Chardonnay.  The red grape is mainly Pinot Noir. A zesty Cap Classique displaying the full balanced yeasty complexity synonymous with a blend of white and red grapes.

VARIETY: 30 % Pinot Noir, 70 % Chardonnay

VINTAGE: N/V

AREA OF ORIGIN: Stellenbosch

PRODUCT BACKGROUND

Tradition was the first Cap Classique produced by Villiera in 1984, with the help of Champagne producer Jean Louis Denois. The cream and the red label indicate the use of white and red grapes used in the blend.

HARVEST DETAILS

Slightly unripe, healthy grapes are harvested early in the season by hand.

CELLAR TREATMENT

Whole bunches are deposited directly in the presses (pneumatic) and pressed very gently according to a Champagne pressing programme. Only the cuvee (the best quality juice) is used in the blend. After blending, yeast and sugar are added for a secondary fermentation in the bottle which takes 6 weeks, producing the magical bubble. The sparkling wine is matured in contact with the lees for an average of 18 months.

TASTING NOTES

This Cap Classique (bottle fermented sparkling wine) is a blend of red and white grapes displaying the full, balanced yeasty complexity synonymous with a wine made in this style. The wine retains its fresh racy zestiness that is a result of crisp acidity and delicate fruit. Tradition Brut can age for at least 2 years from date of purchase.

AWARDS

Platter’s Wine Guide: 4 Star

SAWi: PLATINUM (100 points)

National Wine Challenge: DOUBLE GOLD

Tim Atkin Report: 90 points

Jancis Robinson: 17/20

Michelangelo Wine Award: GOLD

International Wine & Spirits Competition: 91 points

Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge: 90 points

ANALYSIS

Alcohol: 12.1 vol % Residual Sugar: 8 g/li Total Acid: 6.3 g/li pH: 3.19 Available in 1.5 LI, 750 ml and 375 ml