Allan Mullins, Cape Wine Master and wine selector for the major South African retailer Woolworths, presented a tasting of Method Cap Classique wines from the Constantia Valley as well as a French champagne from Alexander Bonet which is sold exclusively at Woolworths under the label, Comtess Alexia. Allan’s extensive knowledge provided many interesting bubbly facts pointing out that champagne sales have fallen as a result of the recession but that demand for cap classique which is made in the traditional French manner is at an all time high. Best to get our festive season stocks in while they are available. Oozing humour and personality, Allan seasoned his talk with a mousse of hilarious anecdotes.

Allan Mullins and his beautiful wife, Therese

It is interesting to note that Archim von Arnim of Cabriere who famously opens bottles with a sabre, was the pioneer of champagne in South Africa in the early eighties.

On tasting champagne Allan mentioned that the best glasses have imperfections which allow the mousse to fizz better. If glasses are not up to scratch simply take a diamond and roughen up the surface.

The venue was the unique and spectacular new cellar door Bistro, 1682, at Steenberg Vineyards which has views across the Constantia valley with False Bay in the distance.  This interesting food and wine destination has everything to entice visitors to stay and soak up the beautiful surroundings.

These are the wines that we enjoyed with Allan:

Duncan enjoying the Bistro 1862 deck

Steenberg Chardonnay MCC 2008

Steenberg Pinot Noir MCC 2006

Klein Constantia Brut 2006

Groot Constantia Cap Classique 2004

Constantia Uitsig MCC 2006

High Constantia Clos Andre 2006

Buitenverwachting Brut MCC

Comtess Alexia (Alexander Bonet)

Winston Churchill was an aficionado of Pol Roger champagne and made this well known statement:

In victory, deserve it

In defeat, need it