JC le Roux Scintilla MCC 2015

The JC le Roux Scintilla is the only classified Cap Classique from the House of JC le Roux, that specialises in South African sparkling wines since 1982. It is unfortunate, in a way, that the other sparkling wines stole the limelight and that so few people are aware of the Scintilla (meaning “a tiny spark of a certain feeling”). This sparkling wine is a blend of 60% Chardonnay from Stellenbosch and 40% Pinot Noir from Durbanville. It spent 36 months on the lees and the 2015, as the current released vintage, indicates the amazing ageing potential of this wine.

I recently shared this wine at the Decanter Wine Club, alongside a French champagne, and tasked the tasters to “identify the JC le Roux”. I was, however, slightly facetious and gave a demi-sec champagne, next to the Brut Cap Classique. As much as I spoke about French champagne styles that go up to a Doux-style, with 50+g/l residual sugar, most people were convinced that the Scintilla is the Champagne. Fortunately, they were not only surprised but also heavily impressed when I revealed it at the end of that flight.

In the glass, this wine has a pale-yellow colour with a slight green tinge and fine pearly bubbles. It is forthcoming on the nose, with tropical fruit, apples and citrus. The entry on the palate is soft with mousse-like bubbles, lemon, green apples and a light brioche note. The acidity is high and the overall perception of the wine is dry and fresh. It soon showcases some saline notes with a stone minerality that also forms part of a long finish. One sip of this wine leaves you lingering for more.

A noticeable difference between the Scintilla and the other sparkling wines from JC le Roux is the absence of the handmade ribbon, that became iconic in the JC le Roux sparkling wines. This wine should be served chilled well and preferably kept in an ice bucket, served in small portions. It is an ideal wine to enjoy on its own, but will also complement oysters very well, roasted chicken, a vegetable salad or a variety plate of biltong and dry wors. It is good to enjoy now or within the next 2-3 years. This wine is good value for money and an interesting conversation wine. It is something that should certainly be tried by all sparkling wine lovers!

Producer: House of JC le Roux

Variety: Chardonnay 60%, Pinot Noir 40%

Vintage: 2015

Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 12.23%

RS: 6.06g/l

Average price: R280

Rating: 95/100