Cape Town - Part two of the adventures of Bianca and the Blue Haired Betty took us to The House of JC Le Roux in Devon Valley for the recently launched methode cap classique experience, which is aimed at the more serious bubbly lover as well as anyone who wants to learn about the sparkling beverage, its history, its present, and how it is made.
“I have been dying to visit JC Le Roux for some time now, but my work schedule hasn’t allowed me the time, so I was thrilled that this was one of our stops,” said Betty.
“When you are greeted warmly and the first thing they do is put a sabre in your hand to sabrage (open) an in-the-making crown-capped bottle of JC Brut you know it’s going to be a good day.”
The warm welcome of which she speaks came from Gerhard Claasens, who escorted us upstairs to the new methode cap classique lounge, which was set up and waiting for us.
The experience began with the sabrage mentioned above, and a comparative tasting of the Brut sans dosage (added sugar), followed by one with dosage. The tastings include the dry pinot noir, pinot noir rose, and the flagship Scintilla from the JC range, as well as the demi-sec La Vallée and La Vallée Rosé.
“Gerhard not only drew me in with his beautiful descriptions of the various MCC varietals, but also opened my eyes (and taste buds) to look past the bubbles and explore and experience the all important and often forgotten base wine that starts off the entire bubbly creation,” said Betty. “I can’t say I’ve ever swirled an MCC across my palate before.
“I will definitely be clearing some space in my schedule to head back to The House of JC Le Roux, and the hunt for my own personal sabrage sabre shall continue.”
The methode cap classique experience costs R100 a person and is available Mondays to Fridays at 11am and 2pm by appointment only. It lasts about an hour and a half, depending on how many questions you have, after which you are offered a glass of your favourite to sip at leisure.
l Book at www.webtickets.co.za. Normal tastings and pairings are still in the tasting room on the ground floor, or in one of the private lounges. See www.jcleroux.co.za or call 021 865 8200.
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