Pieter Ferreira, Birdsong Extra Brut 2023

Description

Pieter Ferreira, aka “Mr. Bubbles” alongside his wife Ann, established their independent label in 2012, building on decades of experience as the cellarmaster at Graham Beck, one of South Africa’s leading sparkling wine producers. The wines under his own label are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of MCC and showcasing the quality of South African sparkling wine on a global stage.

This Cap Classique is made by bringing together the wine style’s classic traditional components of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and represents the experienced craftsmanship and eternal quest for excellence for which Pieter Ferreira has become renowned.

VINEYARD & SOILS
CHARDONNAY (71%)
Fruit was sourced from four diverse regions within the Cape Winelands, each contributing brightness, texture and complexity:
· Robertson (34%) – Limestone-rich soils provide structural integrity, saline tension and distinctive seaweed character.
· Malmesbury (23%) – Swartland Vineyards climbing the foothills of the mountains deliver volume, depth and a generous mouthfeel.
· Paarl (8.5%) – Decomposed granite soils and warm summers contribute expressive fruit aromatics and breadth.
· Napier (5.5%) – Cape Agulhas Triangle – Strong maritime influence ensures slow ripening, resulting in vibrant acidity and flavour precision.
PINOT NOIR (29%)
Sourced from two contrasting sites:
· Darling (21.5%) – Cool-climate vineyards contributing acidity, lift and aromatic finesse.
· Paarl (7.5%) – Adds fruit weight and subtle red-fruited depth.
Across all sites, soils of weathered shale, limestone and decomposed granite together with varied microclimates, shape the distinctive multi-regional expression of Birdsong Blanc.

VINIFICATION
HARVEST: Hand-selected and hand-picked in the early morning.
PRESSING: Whole-bunch pressed; only the cuvée fraction used.
FERMENTATION: Individual components fermented separately in stainless steel tanks and alternative vessels, including ceramic pots, to enhance aromatic precision. A
portion of Robertson Chardonnay (10%) fermented in traditional French oak barrels (Pièce Champenoise) for added texture and complexity.
BLEND SELECTION: Individual parcels assessed after three months on light lees through rigorous tastings.
SECONDARY FERMENTATION: Traditional bottle fermentation. 39 months on lees for autolytic development.
DISGORGEMENT: Post-remuage disgorgement, followed by up to six months of cork maturation prior to release.

TASTING NOTES
APPEARANCE – Light straw colour with a fine, persistent bead.
AROMATICS – Delicate citrus blossom and white floral notes layered with subtle brioche. The aromatic profile is complemented by hints of grapefruit, pomegranate and red cherry.
PALATE – Bright, energetic acidity lifts saline notes of seaweed and oyster shell, driving layered vibrancy through the mid-palate. A finely textured mouthfeel leads to a luxurious, persistent finish, highlighted by rich red fruit and gentle brioche nuances.
STYLE – An expressive, versatile Cap Classique designed for immediate enjoyment, yet one that will benefit from short- to medium-term bottle ageing—distinctively in the Pieter Ferreira style.

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
Cultivar: 71% Chardonnay, 29% Pinot Noir
Alcohol: 11.72% vol TA: 8.2 g/l
pH: 3.13 RS: 3.7 g/l – Extra Brut
Total Production: 4485 bottles
Bottled: 5 July 2023
Disgorged: 17 January 2025
Lees Ageing: 39 months

Additional information

Pairs deliciously with freshly shucked oysters and other seafood.