The Matriarch MCC

Perfectly hosted by Lemon Crayfish Thermador

The 2020 Matriarch marks our 10th vintage of white bubbly and our enduring love of Method Cap Classique. The Matriarch is made in the classic Method Champenoise style – 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay, sourced in Durbanville, contributes elegance and finesse. The Pinot Noir, also sourced from the Durbanville area, lends a broader flavour spectrum to the blend.

A further 12 months of maturation “sur lie” generates a generous mouth and brioche flavours.

After selective hand harvesting, the grapes are gently whole bunch pressed yielding juice rich in natural acidity and subtle fruit flavours. Thereafter, the juice is lightly clarified and co fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve these delicate fruit flavours. The secondary fermentation in bottle generates the development of our fine mousse (bubbles).

Although not intentionally award driven, there is no denying the status of this tiny family-owned Durbanville cellar. Strategically we are following a very traditional but personalised approach to making wine. In line with our brand honesty, we don’t try to be clever or practice contrived marketing jargon. We pick by hand, allowing us to leave the less perfect bunches for the soil to enrich itself – and before pressing, we again sort the individual grapes by hand. “We completely believe that beautiful wines come from day to day thoughtful management in the vineyards.” Our bottom line is that to be part of the Nitida family requires commitment, passion, and a desire to be involved. Our punch through system, while automated, was designed by the engineer in Bernhard to closely emulate a traditional hand-punch method. Of course, we do use modern technology for pressing and pumping, but always seek out the gentlest methods.