MCC Brut Nature

Serve it as an aperitif, pairs wonderfully with oysters, salmon, strawberries.

Chardonnay from Wakkerstroom area outside Robertson, on the southern bank of the Breede River, rich in limestone content. Pinot Noir from Somerset West area, Stellenbosch region, on ocean-facing granite slopes that benefit from the cooling effect of the sea. Both vineyards are trellised and farmed with biologically sensitive practices.

After bottling the wine spent 24 months on the lees before disgorging. No dosage was added.

Grapes chilled overnight at 2 degrees Celsius. Delicate whole bunch pressing. Only the cuvée juice used. Settled overnight at 10°C. Fermented with EC1118 yeast at 15°C and left on the primary lees for six months. Blended with reserved base wine from previous vintages for continuity of character.

Winemaker Carla Pauw dreamed of a job where she could be in nature (rather than in an office) and work with the senses. She first studied Human Movement Sciences and then completed a degree in Town and Regional Planning. While seeking employment she worked part-time in the tasting room of a winery and realised winemaking was the answer to her dream. She returned to Stellenbosch University for a degree in Viticulture and Oenology. Her first harvest was at Tokara in Stellenbosch after which she completed harvests in Bordeaux (France) New Zealand and Spain. From 2000 to 2008 she was employed at Anura Vineyards as winemaker during which time Anura's wines received numerous top awards (including two trophies at the prestigious Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show for best Chenin blanc and best MCC as well as Best Red Wine at the 2005 SAA Wine Selection). Her wines have also won numerous Double Gold awards at the Michelangelo and Veritas Wine Awards. Since 2010 she devotes all her time to growing Saltare.