A fizz for August:
N.V. Pongrácz MCC Brut (South Africa, Western Cape)
This is one of my favourite non-Champagne sparklers. It comes from South Africa where MCC (Methode Cap Classique) is the designation for wines where the second fermentation is in the bottle. There are also rules on minimum aging, but no rules on grape varieties used.
This is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is named after Desiderius Pongracz, a refugee from Hungary who became an important and influential figure in the South African wine business. (Confusingly Desiderius appears in small font above a larger Pongracz. It's confusing because the premium wine, made from 100% Chardonnay, is named Pongracz Desiderius.)
I kept the bottle two & a half years before opening last week. All the bubbles anyone could want. Very pale colour, almost water white, and a soft ethereal taste. Beautiful sparkler.