In this definitive wine buying guide, the maximum five-star rating is reserved for wines that are deemed South African classics and this year only three MCC’s made the final cut.
Winemaker Elunda Basson is delighted with the news.
“We strive for excellence each year and to receive such an honour is not only incredibly rewarding but also a fitting tribute to the hard work that goes into making such an extraordinary MCC.
“Desiderius Pongrácz is indisputably one of the most elegant MCC’s not only for its exceptional quality but also the graceful packaging that makes it a timeless addition to any dinner party or as a gift over the festive season.”
Desiderius Pongrácz 2009 is made in the French time-honoured tradition of bottle fermentation and is a blend of Chardonnay (70%) and Pinot Noir (30%) grapes hand-picked from two selected vineyard blocks. The wine spent four months maturing on the fine lees before being bottled for a slow secondary fermentation producing the beautiful, elegant bubbles and brioche-like taste. The MCC’s rich complexity and classic yeasty character is imparted over time during prolonged maturation on the lees for over 7 years. The combination of fresh fruit, lively bubbles, almonds and rich buttery bread is a delight to the senses.
Desiderius Pongrácz is named after the nobleman and Hungarian refugee, Desiderius Pongrácz, who had a profound impact on viticulture in the Western Cape. Considered a genius for finding the unexpected in the traditional and fresh, unconventional theories, Pongrácz was witty and brilliant and his inspiration extended across the wine industry, classical music, anthropology, and Dachshunds.
Debuting in 1980, Platter’s by Diners Club is South Africa’s leading wine guide featuring more than 950 South African wine producers, merchants, and brands. A team of wine experts reviews wines that are worthy of attention and highlight wine farm tastings and activities worth exploring. The digital app allows for easy access for wine-lovers to find exceptional wineries and wines whilst traveling through the Winelands.