Pongrácz awarded grand gold at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles in Belgium

South Africa’s popular sparkling wine bagged a grand gold award at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2023 in Belgium for its Pongrácz Brut (The Vintage Desiderius Pongrácz 2015).

So far Pongrácz is the only South African sparkling wine to be awarded a Grand Gold at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

According to the statement shared with The Citizen, only eleven Grand Golds were awarded at the competition, with one each to South Africa, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, and seven to France.

“The numerous awards of our Cap Classiques echo our continuous commitment to producing world-class quality products.

“We nurture these wines over a long period whilst the secondary fermentation in the bottle creates exquisite, delicate bubbles and integrated aromas.

“I feel so privileged to be part of the making of these remarkable Cap Classiques,” said Pongrácz winemaker MP Botes.

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About the Pongrácz Brut

According to a press release, Pongrácz is named after the nobleman and Hungarian refugee, Desiderius Pongrácz, who had a profound impact on viticulture in the Western Cape.

“Considered a genius for finding the unexpected in the traditional and fresh, unconventional theories, Pongrácz was witty and brilliant and his inspiration extended across the wine industry, classical music, anthropology and Dachshunds.”

The award-winning sparkling wine can be enjoyed anywhere, at brunch, on a rooftop, or at a picnic with charcuterie and cheeses, or on its own.

“This Cap Classique is made for sipping your way. Bottle-fermented and matured on lees for at least 15 months, the wine is crafted from the classic Champagne varietals Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, hand-picked from vineyards cooled by maritime breezes.

“Spending a minimum of 69 months in the bottle for slow secondary fermentation, the ultra-premium Desiderius Pongrácz 2015, is gracious, elegant, and timeless.

“It is made in the time-honoured French tradition and a blend of Chardonnay (80%) and Pinot Noir (20%) grapes hand-picked from two selected vineyard blocks.

“Beautiful, elegant bubbles and brioche-like aromas on the nose, followed by filling the palate with a rich and complex combination of nuanced fruit, almonds, and yeasty notes. Followed by a lingering aftertaste,” adds the statement.

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