Waterford Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique 2019

The Waterford Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique 2019 is a prestige vintage sparkling wine produced exclusively from 100% Chardonnay grown on Waterford Estate in Stellenbosch. Crafted using the traditional bottle-fermentation method, this limited-production Blanc de Blancs is distinguished by its exceptionally long maturation period and its combination of mineral freshness with developed brioche and nutty complexity.

The Chardonnay comes from an estate vineyard planted on shallow gravel and white clay soils. These well-drained soils encourage deep root development and contribute the distinctive mineral backbone that runs through the finished wine. The 2019 growing season was cooler, with improved rainfall following the Cape drought years, contributing freshness and a softer, fruit-driven character.

After hand harvesting and whole-bunch pressing, only the delicate early free-run juice is selected. Following primary fermentation and eight months of initial lees ageing, the wine is bottled for secondary fermentation and then matured under crown for six years before disgorgement.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Classic Blanc de Blancs gold with an elegant stream of fine, pearl-like bubbles.

Nose: Immediately expressive with fresh brioche, followed by ripe apricot and stone fruit. As the wine opens, subtle orange rind emerges alongside more developed nutty and yeasty complexity from its prolonged bottle maturation.

Palate: Refined and beautifully textured. Apricot and ripe stone fruit are carried by a soft, integrated mousse, while bright natural acidity provides freshness and tension. Six years of yeast contact introduces layers of toasted nuts and brioche without overwhelming the purity of the Chardonnay.

Finish: Long, creamy and persistent, with lingering brioche, citrus peel and nutty complexity balanced by a fresh mineral edge.

Technical Details

• Producer: Waterford Estate
• Vintage: 2019
• Country: South Africa
• Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
• Variety: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Vintage Blanc de Blancs Cap Classique
• Vineyards: Waterford Estate
• Soils: Shallow gravel & white clay
• Harvesting: Hand-harvested
• Pressing: Whole-bunch pressed; premium free-run juice selected
• Primary Fermentation: Stainless steel
• Initial Lees Ageing: 8 months before bottling
• Secondary Fermentation: In bottle
• Bottle Maturation: 6 years under crown before disgorgement
• Alcohol: 11.5% ABV
• Residual Sugar: 3.3 g/L
• Total Acidity: 7.2 g/L
• pH: 3.17
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Closure: Cork
• Winemaker: Mark le Roux