Gross Reserve

Located in the heart of the Franschhoek region of South Africa's Western Cape, the Colmant Cap Classique estate benefits from a cool climate and maritime influences from the Atlantic Ocean. The vines are planted in predominantly granitic and sandy soils, providing excellent drainage and allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, the vineyard enjoys cool nights that preserve the natural acidity of the berries, ideal conditions for crafting traditional-style sparkling wines.

The grapes are hand-harvested into small crates, gently pressed as whole bunches, and then the juices are vinified separately by grape variety and plot. The first fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and partially in French oak barrels, followed by a blending of base wines including a proportion of reserve wines. The secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle using the traditional method, with extended aging on lees before disgorgement, and then further resting in the cellar before release.

This wine reveals notes of green apple , fresh pear , and citrus , complemented by delicate floral touches, brioche and hazelnut nuances, as well as a subtle mineral dimension. The palate is precise and lively, driven by refreshing acidity, a fine and creamy mousse, and a balanced structure that lingers on a long and clean finish.

The first grape vines were planted in South Africa by Dutch settlers in the 1650s, although wine production did not really take off until the arrival of French Protestants in the 1680s with their skills and knowledge of viticulture. Stellenbosch is also a historic wine region, with the first vineyards being planted there in the 1690s. Today, South Africa is one of the most important wine producing countries in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 300 years of winemaking history, it is often described as a bridge between the Old and New Worlds. The majority of wines are produced using New World winemaking techniques, but they often share more in common stylistically with their Old World counterparts. Since the end of apartheid, South African wine has received international attention and acclaim for its wide variety of styles. South Africa's wine industry is spread across the lush and rugged landscape of the Western Cape. Here, the abundance of mountains, valleys and plateaus allows winemakers to produce a wide variety of styles. Vineyards are also found in the Orange River region of the Northern Cape, where the flat, arid landscape is dominated by the Kalahari Desert. Most of South Africa's wine regions have a Mediterranean climate, heavily influenced by the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country's signature grape variety is Pinotage, an indigenous cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault that is rarely found in quantity in other wine-producing countries. Shiraz (Syrah) is also widely planted, as are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often combined in a Bordeaux blend). South African Chardonnay, Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc have become popular internationally in recent years.