For years, Laborie has been synonymous with South Africa’s best Méthode Cap Classiques. They produce three outstanding varieties and the brand has recently undergone a label refresh. The new-look is refined, elegant and speaks to its French heritage. We sat down with winemaker, Kobus van der Merwe, to sample the new Laborie MCC and cheesecake pairing offered at KWV Wine Emporium in Paarl.

Getting to know Winemaker Kobus van der Merwe

As our hostess Millicent Moss set up the MCC and cheesecake pairing, we learned that Kobus is a man who loves what he does. He grew up in his father’s vineyard and every harvest, he’d help pick and deliver fruit to the local wineries. As the years rolled on, Kobus fell in love with winemaking and soon became a qualified winemaker. After a stint overseas, he returned home and eventually made his way to Laborie.

Kobus believes that MCC wines are a celebration of life but they’re also fit for any occasion.

He sees every bottle is a unique character and his job is to perfect the natural fermentation process to create MCCs that burst with complex layers of flavour.

MCC and cheesecake pairing at KVW Wine Emporium

Visitors to KWV Wine Emporium in Paarl can taste and purchase Laborie MCC. We highly recommend the MCC and cheesecake pairing as a delicious and informative way to get to know the range.

Lemon and Brut

Our pairing started with a beautiful lemon cheesecake and Laborie’s Brut MCC. The first thing Kobus pointed out was the fine stream of bubbles. Of all MCCs characteristics, a fine bubble, or mousse as it’s called, is the most revered. It develops over time as the wine lies on the lees and like anything worth doing, it can’t be rushed.

The Brut is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. It has a vibrant array of orange blossom, lime and a touch of brioche on the nose and palate. The mousse is creamy and delicate and when paired with the cheesecake, the citrus character is accentuated.

Strawberry and Rosé

The second pairing was a strawberry cheesecake with Rosé. Interestingly enough, one of the biggest challenges with Rosé is getting the colour right due to the blending of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinotage. When making MCC, Kobus has to constantly think ahead to the finished product while making long-term changes in the present.

On the nose and palate, the Rosé is bursting with berries, pomegranate and candyfloss. It has a soft mousse that dances across the tongue with a sweet yet slightly fresh prickle. The strawberry topped cheesecake is the perfect complement with tart berry and creamy flavours to match.

Hazelnut and Blanc de Blancs

The third pairing was a hazelnut topped cheesecake with the 100% Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs. It is easily the most complex of the three MCCs, which is no surprise considering its aged in barrels for 36 months.

On the nose and palate, the Blanc de Blancs has rich layers of lime, green apples, hazelnuts and toasted bread. The mousse is creamy and luxurious and it carries a bright acidity to balance the flavours. The creamy cheesecake, with the flavour and texture of the hazelnuts, enhanced the overall character and easily won the day.

Plan your visit to the KWV Wine Emporium

Considering that KWV is in its centenary year, there’s never been a better time to pay the wine emporium a visit. Much like Laborie’s MCCs themselves, the pairing is elegant and decadent but there’s no reason to wait for a special occasion to experience it.

Price: R65 for a pairing of three MCC and cheesecake
Location: Kohler St, Southern Paarl, Paarl
Hours: Monday – Saturday 09h00-16h30 and Sunday 10h00-15h00
Contact: 021 807 3911

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Loved this unusual pairing idea? See our list of other fun and unique wine pairing ideas.