Pieter Ferreira Blanc de Blancs 2017

The definition of “Extra Brut” for Cap Classique is that residual sugar should be less than 6g/l, the Blanc de Blancs 2017 from Pieter Ferreira coming in at an extraordinarily low 1.6g/l and yet it’s none too lean.

Grapes grown on the limestone soils of Robertson, most of the juice is fermented in stainless steel tank but a small portion is sent to barrel for extra complexity. After secondary fermentation in the bottle, the wine is left on the lees for six years. Alcohol is 12%.

The nose shows apple, peach, citrus, a touch of flinty reduction, some light biscuit character and spice while the palate has dense fruit matched by a great line of acidity, the mousse creamy, an umami-rich quality to the finish. This is a bubbly of power but also focus and detail. Price: R465 a bottle.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

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