Genevieve Blanc de Blanc Brut 2010

Not content with her busy day job smousing wine for several top producers in Bot River, Melissa Nelson took on the formidable challenge to make her own wine, a 100% Chardonnay Methode Cap Classique bubbly. The inspiration to make a bubbly rather than a still wine came from her devoted Grandmother who adored drinking a glass or two of the good stuff on a regular basis, just to celebrate life!!

With the help from her partner and viticulturist, Leon Engelke, they found the perfect Chardonnay vineyard close to Bot River along the Van der Stel Pass. The 2ha block is on a small holding owned by an upcountry family who were only too pleased to have their vineyards utilised and especially for producing MCC! Now Melissa had her vineyards, all she needed was a place to make the wine and most important a name for the bubbly! She decided on Genevieve, which is her middle name, (named after the patron Saint of Paris, a city her parents frequented often) and the first vintage, the 2008, was made at Ross Gower Wines in Elgin!

Three vintages later her premium Cap Classique is sought-after by top sommeliers and bubbly enthusiasts nationwide and not surprisingly. A recent visit to the home of her vineyards allowed us to experience the three vintages along with a skilfully matched lunch menu prepared by respected chef, David Higgs.

The 2008 had developed gracefully yet still offering classical freshness with brioche and baked apple flavour. The 2009 had an interesting lemon and green apple flavour all tied up with a lingering silky richness.

The current vintage, the 2010, made at Avondale in Paarl, has a delicate straw colour with lovely aromas of granny smith apples and hints of fresh lemon zest. The palate shows elegant freshness along with intricate flavours of stone fruit combined with a creamy richness as a result of spending lengthy time on the lees. We enjoyed the 2010 with the delicious and creative starter of Bouche Goats Cheese served with yellow beets, tarragon pickled almonds and grilled lettuce! The wine has aging potential and the complexity to enjoy with sea food.

Expect to pay: R170.50