One of South Africa’s most awarded Cap Classique producers continues to excel by winning the African Cellar Suppliers Cap Classique Trophy for their prestige cuvee, Monro Brut 2014.
Only 28 Trophies were awarded by the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2020, which remains one of SA’s most respected independent drinks competitions.
“It makes this accomplishment very gratifying,” says Cellarmaster Jeff Grier, “as it assures us that our commitment to craft fine wines and our environmental philosophies are appreciated more than ever.”
Monro Brut is the flagship cuvee in Villiera’s Cap Classique stable and has won numerous accolades including a SAWI Platinum and Best Cap Classique in South Africa, a 5 Star Platter rating and Platter Cap Classique of the Year. Bearing a Grier family name, the Monro Brut is a classical blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with a portion of the Chardonnay base wine fermented in used oak barrels for extra flavour and complexity.
Since producing their first Cap Classique in 1984, the Griers have been pioneers in the category bringing excitement and recognition to bottle fermented wines in South Africa. By continuing to focus on consistency and excellence Villiera have garnered a multitude of awards for their other Cap Classiques and still wines.
Reflecting on the 2014 Monro Brut, Cellarmaster Jeff Grier says, “This vintage was made in the last year before the drought. Conditions were cool and we expected something good from the start. The best possible blend was made and bottled for 2nd fermentation and maturation. During five and half years in a dark place in our cool room, it was forgotten about, only to emerge at the start of 2020. Xander, (Alexander Grier, winemaker) prepared different samples to determine the level of dosage.
“As we started tasting, I said to Xander, ‘this Monro Brut is going to be special and it’s going to gain us some awards’. It was intense, beautifully evolved and balanced, allowing less dosage than usual. After 6 months on the cork, it is now nearing perfection.”
Cap Classique is a focus category at Villiera and the highly acclaimed range includes Tradition Brut and Tradition Rosé Brut, Starlight, a low alcohol Cap Classique and the additive free Cap Classique, Villiera Brut Natural.
Also recognized for their distinctive still wines, Villiera achieved Michelangelo Gold Medals for the Villiera Merlot 2017 and the Villiera Chenin Blanc 2020.
For more information visit www.villiera.com
Picture/s: supplied
