Our Really Delicious Spier Cap Classique R.d
With Cap Classique Day on the 1st of September, what better way to celebrate than to raise a toast with a glass of our finest bubbly?
With only 3000 bottles released, our Spier R.D Brut is an exclusive Cap Classique that has been made in the most exceptional vintages - 2009 and 2013. While some may think R.D stands for ‘really delicious’ (and we don’t blame you!), the name R.D actually means ‘Recently Disgorged.’ This refers to a winemaking process by which excess yeast is removed from the bottle before the cork is inserted. The R.D concept was devised by Madame Bollinger in the early 1960s and indicates a sparkling wine that is kept on the lees for many more years than a ‘standard’ bubbly (up to 8 years longer!). Thanks to this extended period on these lees, R.D wine develops increased complexity and richness than traditional Cap Classique and has an impressive capacity to age.
As one of the very few South African wineries producing a late disgorgement wine, Spier champions this unique method to offer bonafide bubbly lovers and wine collectors the most elevated expression of Cap Classique possible. Our 2013 Spier Cap Classique R.D spent a remarkable 7 years (that’s 84 months!) on the lees to develop complexity until it was finally disgorged in 2020. The date of disgorgement is very important because a bottle will taste very different six months after disgorgement than it will two years after.
Due to the fact that this process is so time-consuming, R.D sparkling wines tend to come with a higher price tag. Yet, here’s an inside tip for you: Cap Classique is made in the exact same way as French Champagne but costs a fraction of the price! Even after spending a whopping 7 years in the bottle, our 2013 Spier Cap Classique R.D is only R395, making it one of the best-value premium sparkling wines on the market.
Made using 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir, it is infinitely light and refreshing. Boasting rich aromas of biscotti, stewed fruit notes, and a lemon-lime finish, our Spier R.D is delightful on its own or served with fresh oysters, seafood with a buttery sauce, or a cheese board. Whether you consider yourself a bubbly beginner or expert, this Brut is bound to kickstart any occasion. Of course, if you’d like to keep it aside for another day, it is capable of ageing for a further decade - or two. Now that’s bottle appeal.
Join Spier as we celebrate with a true Cape classic - Spier Cap Classique R.D!