Bring back the past

Morena Cap Classique, which is produced at Franschhoek Pass Winery, has introduced a new bubbly called 'Ancienne' where the cork is secured by string, recreating a time old tradition.

Prior to 1855 all champagne corks were secured with string. The string was applied by hand while the bottle was held between the legs. This was a time-consuming exercise. To apply more force and avoid wounding one's hands, the labourer used a stand called 'cheval de bois' (wooden horse) to pull the string tightly and secure the knots. Customers were supplied with an implement called a 'lance', which was used to cut the string.

In 2844 Monsieur Adolphe Jacquesson, a producer in Chalons, Champagne, patented a device to secure the cork with wire and a cap. This was the beginning of the wire muselet we know today but it took some time to be used commercially.

Morena Ancienne is produced from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes and was left on the lees for two years. In keeping with the early Champagne style, a small amount of Muscat d'Alexandrie brandy was added to the dosage.

Nick Davies of Morena Cap Classique says "Each year we like to introduce something different and non-commercial. It was exciting to reproduce a style of bubbly that was created when Champagne was first made."