rating B+

standout cool-climate sparkling wine focus

about Melissa Genevieve Nelson is from Elgin, and now makes wines in nearby Bot River. She originally became a pilot, but returned to her roots and grew an increasing interest in wine. Her first vintage was 2008, with a consistent focus on sparkling wine. Shiraz is now also made, and the next stage in the development of the winery is to develop estate vineyards.

wines tasted

Cap Classique Blanc de Blancs (vintage) ($31)

100% Chardonnay: this is an interesting alternative to Blanc de Blancs Champagne, fruitier, richer, but with vibrant acidity. It’s aged for four years on the lees, which gives the wine a nutty, spicy character as well as a generous stone fruit ripeness. This is a serious but generous, approachable wine.

website https://www.genevievemcc.co.za/

email melissa@genevievemcc.co.za

phone +27833026562

address Klein Botrivier Farm, Karwyderskraal Rd. Bot River