What is "méthode cap classique" (MCC) sparkling wine from South Africa?
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Dear Dr. Vinny,
I know that Champagne only comes from the Champagne region of France. Here in South Africa, we use the term méthode cap classique, or MCC. What are the differences between MCC and other sparkling wines like Champagne?
—Tyrone V., Cape Town, South Africa
Dear Tyrone,
Think of “sparkling wine” as the main way to describe a bubbly wine. Sparkling wine can come from anywhere. As you pointed out, Champagne comes from the Champagne region of France. Cava is a designation of Spanish sparkling wines; you have probably heard of Prosecco and Moscato d’Asti from Italy, and perhaps of sekt from Germany. MCC is a South African term indicating a sparkling wine made in the traditional method (the same way Champagne is made), by which a secondary fermentation takes place inside the bottle.
—Dr. Vinny
