5 MCCs to pop amid the global Champagne shortage

HAVING trouble finding a bottle of your favourite champagne? You are not alone.

Liquor stores, bars, and restaurants are having trouble restocking their shelves with enough wines, beers, and spirits, thanks to Covid-19’s devastating impact on supplies – also and thanks to heatwaves and frosts that damaged crops.

On Twitter, people are expressing their frustrations on how they cannot get hold of their favourite champagne.

Rakosa wrote: “There is a serious shortage of champagne, I found myself drinking Veuve Rich last night.”

@ChazByrd84 wrote: “How are y’all outta Veuve Champagne. They need to fix this liquor shortage.”

According to reports, due to the fall in demand over lockdown in 2020, Champagne houses decided to reduce the number of bottles produced as the Comité Champagne put a tight cap on the yields.

Many strong vintages are also being held back to be released as vintage wines, leaving less to be used in non-vintage blend champagne.

In a Twitter thread, champagne expert Oscar Masubelele explained how there will be a champagne shortage this summer.

Last month, he tweeted: “Dear champagne lovers, we are officially in a champagne shortage. There is limited stock available and this is worldwide. Prices might even go up.”

In another tweet, he wrote: “Remember, I warned you about the shortage of champagne this coming summer? You will be very lucky if you can find Veuve Clicquot Brut in wholesale retail stores.”

In a recent tweet, Masubelele said he firmly believes this is an opportunity for South African MCC wines to rise and close the gap of Champagne shortages in the country.

He said we have high-quality MCC wines at the same level as NV champagne wines. We bring you five of the best that we think you should try.

Durbanville Hills Blanc de Blancs vintage MCC 2015

This sparkling wine is made from 100% chardonnay grapes using the traditional Champagne method of secondary fermentation in the bottle. As a varietal, chardonnay thrives under the cool conditions of the Durbanville area and the variety of slopes and altitudes allows them to craft wines firmly rooted in the terroir found there.

Pongrácz Brut NV

This is one of South Africa’s most popular MCCs for a reason. Delicate yeasty tones, layered with toast and ripe fruit are enlivened by a firm mousse and persistent bead that make it particularly attractive. It imparts a wonderful foamy mouthful of black fruit flavours and lingering after-taste.

House Of BNG Brut

This bottle-fermented bubbly has a cheerful, rich, and fruity character suggestive of strawberries. Lively bubbles, rich in flavour, and ends with a long creamy finish. It is made up of 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir and can be aged for at least three years from tdate of purchase. With age, the luxury MCC softens in flavour, while maintaining its lively sparkle.

2016 Charles Fox Blanc de Blancs

Charles Fox Cap Classique Estate has been offering new bubbly to the discerning South African market since 2012. According to their website, this MCC produces complex mineral aromas of almond flintiness, brioche, butter, lemon and lime scents.

Boschendal MCC Brut Rosé NV

Considered by many to be the official MCC of the summer, this wine sparkles with the ideal blend of pinotage, chardonnay, and pinot noir.

The MCC’s versatility stems from its harvest, which is done early at lower sugar levels to achieve stimulating airiness – perfect for alfresco events this summer.