Posts Tagged ‘sparkling wine’

Just letting you know what we’ve been up to, we’ve been busy , mostly preparing for harvest, quietly and kindly informing the grapes to ripen perfectly , telling the weather to play nice and then we wait…

The 13th and 14th of February were the harvest dates this year; rather appropriate considering how much bubbly is generally consumed on this day.

Harvest was a couple of days later than last year and this was due to the rain (25mm!) we had over the weekend which kept us on our toes and me constantly thinking should I go test the grapes again every couple of hours. Overall , even ripening, appealing grapes and with foreman Jonathon and viticulturist; Leon Engelke looking after these beauties; I’m very happy.Here are some pics of the harvest

We carefully go through bunches, checking for uneven ripening or unsavoury grapes that have ripened too much. We brought in just under 15 tonnes and I am pleased with the 19’balling (sugar level) , this always gets me nervous, a couple of degrees more or less and it changes the feel and style for the entire vintage to come .
Overnight in the cool room to compose themselves and keep freshness, then to the cellar for whole bunch pressing, the cellar we use has a gravity fed system , I like to think that the grapes don’t even realise what’s happened to them till they’re in tank as juice; with this tender process we keep juice clear , clean and pure.
We are at the stage now where the wine has settled and  inoculated with yeast to let the juice ferment into alcohol aka yummy potential!Here’s a nice basic diagram that I found that explains the process..

Other than harvesting, Genevieve MCC obviously took part in Valentine’s Day,I took the liberty of visiting all the boutique wine shops in Cape Town before V-day to pop a gorgeous card around the necks of the Genevieve MCC bottles for those in a rush to find a gift on the day AND then still find a ‘ to my sweet –heart card’ hope you were all spoiled with love.

We also teamed up with Bread Restaurant which is part of the Bromwell Boutique Mall in Woodstock, they offered a exquisite Valentine’s dinner with the Genevieve MCC .Do yourself a favour next time and pop in ( there’s ample parking opposite the building) have a quick snack or lazy lunch and browse through the beautiful exclusive items they have for sale. PS: Their Almond Croissants are addictive….

For a quick summer meal idea: Genevieve MCC was featured in Winestyle magazine Summer edition : paired with Tuna Tarte +Avocado Salsa + Lime Zest. Recipe

Email if you need some Genevieve MCC delivered: melissa@genevievemcc.co.za

Here are some nice tastings coming up in March with Genevieve MCC flowing..

• 3rd March: Vineyard Hotel: MCC Festival ” festival of bubbles ” 15h00 – 18h00

The Vineyard Hotel & Spa will be showcasing up to 17 wine estates when it hosts the Cape’s Finest Méthode Cap Classique Festival on Sunday 3rd March 2013 for R165 per person.
to view more information: click here

• 30 March: Wine@ the Mill (Biscuit Mill , Woodstock)  10:30 -12:30

Dearest Bubbly Lovers,

Genevieve MCC has been busy this year, a big thank you to all the support and of course the many moments that Genevieve MCC could be part of your special occasion!

The 2010 vintage has been a hit with our loyal clients and become a favourite to the many newcomers, we’ve received 4* in the Platter Guide 2013, our intent to make top quality, elegant and delicious bubbly is starting to show and receive recognition.

Some tastings coming up if you wish to pop along and join us for a glass in December:

•    20th December: 16:00-19:00 Vino Pronto 44 Orange Street Gardens Cape Town

•    28th December: 16:00 – 19:00 Wine Concepts Kloof Street

•    29th December: 11:00 – 13:00 Wine @ the Mill, Old Biscuit Mill Woodstock Cape Town.

Need to stock up on Genevieve MCC, have a look at stockists page.

Wishing you are all a very good festive season and may 2013 bring you success, good health and plenty Genevieve MCC!

Make sure you get to some of these Genevieve MCC tastings in November:

15th November: Wine Concepts Kloof Street Cape Town:

Pop in for a glass of bubbly after work and a catch up on the Genevieve MCC news.

25th November:The Old Biscuit Mill  Boutique Wine Fair: Albert Rd Woodstock Cape Town

Come join us for a chilled and relaxing day from 12-5pm for this unique opportunity to taste over 208 of South Africa’s Top Boutique Wines Produced by 52 Award Winning Wine Estates.

Tickets available for R125 per person: book with tanya@wineatthemill.com or on 083 357 9353

30th November -2nd December: Magic of Bubbles:

The Festival of the year!!! Get the festive season into full swing with this year’s social calendar highlight – the Franschhoek ‘Magic of Bubbles’ Cap Classique and Champagne Festival, presented by MasterCard. For more info: ‘Magic of Bubbles’ Cap Classique and Champagne Festival

For those connoisseurs who like the best of the best, here’s a wonderful opportunity to meet South Africa’s cellarmasters who have consistently achieved the most accolades in various competitions and tastings. Whilst this is not our own list, but that of industry professionals who have rated these wineries highly, we have applied our minds to also choosing some cellars who do  not have the wherewithal to enter big competitions. Taste 60 wines presented by the winemaker in person.

Date:Wednesday 31st October 2012
Time:17h00 to 21h00
Venue:TABLE BAY HOTEL, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Tickets are R150 p/p available from Computicket. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on the night from 16h30.

E-BAG LAUNCHES: LAUNER–BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT AT BMW INTERNATIONAL POLO SERIES

Contrary to popular belief, the game of Polo is not all stick and ball – in fact, as the oldest sport in the world; polo as popular spectator sport now faces serious competition during this seasons annual BMW International Series – by a handbag no less.  Royal Warrant Holder and Firm Favourite – quite literally of Britain’s most recent pin up girl aka HRH Queen Elizabeth II – the Handbag Royale by Launer is set to debut on the East Picnic Bank of swaggeringly beautiful Waterfall Polo Park in Sunninghill, new venue for the annual polo bash later this month.

The delectable crook candy favoured by notable longstanding members of the ruling class, launches Sunday 26th August where it will be fair game alongside Gosset 1584 champers, local bubbly Genevieve MCC and blow your mind gourmet picnic baskets brought to you by on-line fashion entrepreneur and e-bag.co.za founder and owner, Melanie Chong.