Champagne: The Queen of Bubbles
Did you know that only sparkling wine produced in the French region of Champagne, made entirely from grapes grown there, can be called “Champagne”? The rules are strict: true Champagne must be made using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Meunier grapes, with some small growers also using rare varieties like Pinot Blanc.

The traditional Champagne-making process is intricate. After producing and aging the still wine, a mixture called liqueur de tirage (sugar liqueur) is added to the bottle to kick-start a second fermentation. This is where those signature bubbles and delightful fizz come from, along with the distinctive biscuit and yeasty flavours. That’s why Champagne corks need to be wired down!

MCC: South Africa’s Sparkling Treasure
South Africa’s answer to Champagne is Méthode Cap Classique, or MCC. These sparkling wines are made to the same exacting standards as Champagne, but with the freedom to use varietals like Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. South African MCCs are renowned worldwide, with Graham Beck’s Brut MCC even chosen for Barack Obama’s election night win.

Prosecco: Italy’s Fresh Favourite
For a lighter, fresher take on mimosas, consider Italian Prosecco. Unlike Champagne, Prosecco undergoes secondary fermentation in large, pressurized steel tanks, giving it a clean, crisp flavour. Perfect for a sunny brunch setting!

Cava: Spanish Charm
Another delightful option for mimosas is Spanish Cava. Produced similarly to Champagne and MCC with secondary fermentation in the bottle, Cava offers a wonderful balance of bubbles and flavours.

Mix It Up!
When it comes to mimosas, variety is the spice of life. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of Champagne, the robust flavours of MCC, the light zest of Prosecco, or the balanced charm of Cava, there’s a perfect bubble for every brunch. So, next time you’re hosting a brunch, why not try a little bit of everything and let your guests experience the world of sparkling wines?

Cheers to celebrating women and the joy of brunch mimosas!