Global travellers love South African Cap Classique

To participate in the competition, 28 airlines throughout the world offering long-haul international business and first-class services were invited to submit two white wines, two red wines and one Champagne or other sparkling wine currently on their business or first-class wine lists. At a three-day blind tasting, 31 professional judges tasted, tested and rated the 136 wines in different categories.

The only other South African wine recognised in this competition was the Morgenhof Estate Merlot 2006, submitted by Etihad Airways, which came fifth in the Red Wines International First Class category.

The winning sparkling is a blend of 60% chardonnay and 40% pinot noir. It was awarded Best Non-Vintage Cap Classique at the 2009 Wine Magazine Amorim Cork Cap Classique Challenge and was the recipient of the SAA Trophy for Best MCC served on the airline's Premium Class for 2010. It was also awarded 4 Stars in the 2010 and 2011 Platter's Wine Guide. It is available at leading specialist wine shops and retails for approximately R80.