Desiderius Pongrácz 2003
Desiderius Pongrácz 2003, the prestige cuvée of South Africa’s leading Méthode Cap Classique range, has seized the moment with Double Gold in the 2012 Five Nations Wine Challenge in Sydney, Australia.
This accolade follows the noble flagship’s Double Gold triumph at the 2012 Veritas Awards as well as winning the trophy as the best bottle fermented sparkling wine at the 2012 International Wine and Spirits Challenge (IWSC) in London.
“It’s been a fantastic year for Desiderius and the 2003 vintage was clearly something quite extraordinary. We make Desiderius only in exceptional years and we look forward to our new 2008 vintage that will be released shortly,” says elated winemaker Elunda Basson.
The 2012 Five Nations Wine Challenge included 550 wines judged across 16 classes from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Chile and Argentina. Esteemed South African wine writer Michael Fridjhon, the 2012 Louis Roederer International Wine Columnist of the Year, chaired the panel of five judges, one from each country.
Inspired by Hungarian nobleman Desiderius Pongrácz, the graceful signature Méthode Cap Classique is an elegant blend of the classic Champagne varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot noir. Set apart by its distinctive fluted bottle, Desiderius Pongrácz 2003 has a rich complexity and classic yeasty character imparted over time during prolonged maturation on the lees for over 7 years. 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.
Desiderius Pongrácz 2003 is available at selected boutique wine stores at around R235.
