Desiderius Pongrácz 2003, the singularly noble flagship of South Africa’s much loved Méthode Cap Classique range, has achieved the venerable 90+ rating for excellence from the International Wine Review, the highly respected American-based bi-monthly wine report.
Described as “very, very good” and “one of South Africa’s finest tasting sparkling wines” by publisher Mike Potashnik and editor Don Winkler, the ultra-elegant Desiderius Pongrácz 2003 was one of 750 South African wines costing $15 or more tasted by this experienced duo.
Their praiseworthy tasting notes read as follows: “It’s a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir that spends an astounding 87 months on the lees. The result is a beautiful and subtle wine showing freshly baked bread, cured lemon and lightly toasted almond aromas and a delicately flavored, very fine palate.”
The Review is very complimentary about South African Méthode Cap Classsique in general particularly the established producers such as Pongrácz who are bringing out flagship wines with 5-years or more on the lees: “Perhaps the best news is that the bar for the top MCCs keeps getting set higher.”
The section on sparkling wines concludes that the best of the South African Cap Classiques which received over 90 points “can compete with the best New World sparkling wines anywhere.”
The International Wine Review praises the high quality of South African wines, largely due to intelligent vineyard management practices, the careful selection of vineyard sites and grape varieties, and a strong commitment to craft terroir-based wines. The review lauds the expertise applied in winemaking, including the use of minimalist winemaking techniques where possible and conserving South Africa’s bio-diversity.
Inspired by the Hungarian nobleman, Desiderius Pongrácz, the prestigious 2003 vintage flaunts a white-golden hue with a faint grey-pink tinge that complements its aroma of precious, delicate spices and wonderful crisp foaming mousse. Desiderius Pongrácz is an elegant blend of the classic Champagne varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot noir and is set apart by its distinctive fluted bottle.
It has a rich complexity and classic yeasty character imparted over time during prolonged maturation on the lees for over 7 years as well as a wonderful foaming mousse with a persistent bead. As the wine matures it tends to develop wonderful creamy, nutty characteristics on the nose and a full bodied texture which lasts for ages on the palate.
The award winning Desiderius Pongrácz 2003 is available at selected boutique wine stores at around R235 per bottle.
Issued by: Gudrun Clark Communications
Tel: 021-462 0520
On behalf of: Distell
