Desiderius Pongrácz crowned South African top MCC with Veritas Double Gold

Friday, 16 October, 2009
GC Communications
Desiderius Pongrácz 2001 has been crowned South Africa's top Méthode Cap Classique at the 2009 Veritas Awards as the only recipient of a Double Gold medal in this highly contested category.
Last year, the 2000 vintage of this charismatic signature Pongrácz, was the only Cap Classique to win a Veritas Gold medal.

Described as an exceptional wine by the Veritas judges this year, Desiderius Pongrácz 2001 is a past winner of the 2006 WINE Magazine Amorim Cork Cap Classique Challenge where it was hailed a bottle fermented sparkling wine to rival French Champagne.

This Veritas Double Gold medallist has been on a winning streak in major local and international wine competitions this year. In London, it scooped the 2009 Decanter World Wine Awards trophy as South Africa's Best Sparkling wine in the price category higher than £10; and it won gold medals at both the 2009 Tri-Nations Challenge as well as the 2009 Michelangelo International Wine Awards.

Inspired by a nobleman and refugee from the Hungarian uprising and set apart by its distinctive fluted bottle, Desiderius Pongrácz 2001 is crafted according to the time honoured French method of bottle fermentation. Singularly noble, this is an elegant blend of the classic Champagne varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot noir. It has a rich complexity and classic yeasty character from spending 40 months on the lees as well as a wonderful foaming mousse with a persistent bead. As the wine matures it tends to develop wonderful creamy, nutty characteristics on the nose and a full bodied texture which lasts for ages on the palate.

Desiderius Pongrácz 2001 is available at fine dining establishments and select wine shops from around R200.