Saltare (the e is accentuated: sal-ta-re) is a name given to the Cap Classique’s produced by Carla Pauw. The word means to dance in Latin. An appropriate title for her wines, given that Carla studied movement before completing her studies in viticulture and oenology in 2000. I seem to remember that we first met in the early 2000s when she was the winemaker at Anura in Stellenbosch.
Inspired by her love of Champagne, Carla produced her first MCC in 2003, inviting a few friends to come and help hand harvest some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, basket-pressing enough juice to fill a single barrel.
In 2004, Carla met her future husband, Christoff. By the time they were married, that first venture into making sparkling wine was mature enough to be poured at the couple’s wedding.
Saltare officially came into being from the 2007 vintage and, whilst there is a limited amount of Syrah and old vine Chenin Blanc, the focus remains firmly on Cap Classique, with Carla dedicating herself to the project since 2010.
Initially, the wines were made at Stellenbosch University’s experimental cellar, but production has now transferred to a winery just outside the town whilst Carla operates from a small studio on Die Laan, on the banks of the Eersterivier in Stellenbosch’s historic heart.
Of the two Cap Classique wines listed, the Chardonnay comes from vines planted in the limestone soils of Robertson; partly from grapes on her uncle’s farm, but also from fruit sourced from Mont Blois. The Pinot Noir comes from a cool, sandy east-facing slope on the maritime side of Stellenbosch.
Cap Classique NV Brut Reserve, WO Western Cape
The current cuvée is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, disgorged in March 2024. The base wine is from the 2022 vintage, with around 25% barrel-aged reserve wine. Dosage is 4g/l. 2,500 bottles produced.
Cap Classique NV Brut Rosé, WO Western Cape
Although this cuvée carries a generic appellation, the wine is exclusively from Stellenbosch fruit and 100% from the 2022 vintage. The wine has a dosage of 6g/l and disgorged in March 2024. 1,500 bottles produced.
| Cap Classique NV Brut Reserve | pack shot | fiche | |
| Cap Classique NV Brut Rosé | pack shot | 2022 fiche | |