Obsidian Nectar Cap Classique

Obsidian Nectar is the richer, slightly sweeter expression from one of South Africa's most striking new luxury Cap Classique producers.

Born in the Witzenberg Valley of Tulbagh, Obsidian takes the traditional bottle-fermented Cap Classique method and combines it with extended lees ageing to build texture and complexity. The Nectar is deliberately crafted with less sweetness than many wines in the category, giving you the generosity you'd expect from a Nectar without turning the whole thing into fizzy pudding.

Expect toasted almond, brioche and ripe apple, wrapped in silky bubbles with enough acidity and minerality to keep everything fresh and polished.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Bright golden straw with a fine, persistent mousse.

Nose: Toasted brioche and almond lead the way, followed by ripe apple, citrus and subtle richer fruit notes.

Palate: Silky and generous, with ripe orchard fruit and a delicate sweetness balanced by fresh acidity. Extended lees ageing adds creamy texture and those lovely biscuity, toasted notes, while the fine mousse keeps everything elegant rather than heavy.

Finish: Smooth and lingering with gentle sweetness, apple, toasted almond and a clean mineral freshness.

Technical Details

Producer: Obsidian
Origin: Witzenberg Valley, Tulbagh, Western Cape, South Africa
Style: Nectar Cap Classique
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay(60%) & Pinot Noir(40%)
Production: Traditional bottle-fermented Cap Classique method
Maturation: Extended lees ageing (18 Months)
Bottle Size: 750ml / ABV: 12%

Why We Like It

Sweet sparkling wine gets a bad rap, largely because plenty of it deserves one.

Obsidian Nectar is different.

There's sweetness, certainly, but it's measured. The acidity, minerality and lees-derived brioche character give the wine enough structure to remain sophisticated rather than sticky. Obsidian says it uses almost half the sugar of many comparable Nectar-style wines, specifically aiming for something luscious without becoming cloying.

And then there's that bottle.

It looks like someone asked Batman to launch a Cap Classique brand.

Dark, ridiculously good-looking and backed up by what's inside, exactly the sort of bottle you arrive at a dinner party carrying when you want everyone to ask what you've brought.