Paul René, Brut Cap Classique 2021
Paul René is a family run business – started by winemaker Henk and his wife Monica van Niekerk. They love the philosophy and lifestyle of bubbly – the art of celebration – and so focus exclusively on Cap Classique.
Grapes are from Robertson, which is the heartland of premium Cap Classique – Pieter Ferreira, Silverthorn and Graham Beck are all from Robertson; there is definitely a theme.
100% Chardonnay grapes are hand picked and hand sorted before being lightly pressed – recovering only 420 litres of juice per ton of grapes! Initially fermentation occurs at 14 degrees Celsius in stainless steel tanks before the second fermentation in bottle. The wine then spends 44 months on the lees before riddling, disgorgement and bottling.
The result is a a silky mousse bubbly that is rich with citrus blossom and nougat flavour. Adding to its crystalline citrus quality, are lemon curd and orange notes. The palate is filled with bright limestone acidity that holds this svelte wine taut and fresh with some bready and creamy notes on the finish.
Delicious now and very capable of further ageing.
£25.95
Robertson
Chardonnay
Description
Paul René is a family run business – started by winemaker Henk and his wife Monica van Niekerk. They love the philosophy and lifestyle of bubbly – the art of celebration – and so focus exclusively on Cap Classique.
For the Brut Cap Classique, 100% Chardonnay grapes were handpicked in Robertson in the early morning from the rich limestone soil vineyards. Crate by crate the whole bunches were passed into the press with a very low recovery rate of only 420 litres per ton. Fermentation took place in a stainless steel tank at 14 degrees Celsius. Secondary fermentation occurred in the bottle and the wine spent a minimum of 44 months on the lees after which it was manually riddled and degorged. Total production of 12200 bottles(750ml).
The result is a bubbly that is rich with citrus blossom and nougat flavour. Adding to its crystalline citrus quality, are lemon curd and orange notes. The bright limestone
acidity holds this svelte wine taut and fresh with some bready and creamy notes on the finish.
Technical Analysis
Vintage: 2021
Residual Sugar: 6.86 g/l
Total Acid: 6.9 g/l
pH: 2.94
Alcohol: 12.23%
Additional information
| Grape | Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Wine Farm | |
| Alcohol vol | 12.2% |
| Origin | Robertson |
A perfect pairing for sushi or shellfish dishes like oysters, prawn & avocado ritz or langoustines.
90 points | Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2025
“Chardonnay from Robertson always seems to make stylish Blanc de Blancs, with appealing limestone freshness and plenty of focus. This one from Izak de Vries and Henk van Niekerk spent 44 months on lees, resulting in a fizz with vibrant acidity, flavours of macadamia nut and lemon zest and a cushion of fine bubbles. 2025-29”
Tim Atkin MW Special South Africa Report 2025 –