Real Corkers

No other bottle can take you through the day quite as effortlessly – from brunch to midnight toasts. Here’s the Allan Mullins guide to the local and foreign bubbles that should fill your glass this summer

No other bottle can take you through the day quite as effortlessly – from brunch to midnight toasts. Here’s the Allan Mullins guide to the local and foreign bubbles that should fill your glass this summer

THE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE MCC Silverthorn Green Man MCC Brut 2016

Producers John and Karen Loubser say this sparkling wine is a pure representation of their Robertson terroir, which you can experience in the crisp tartness and minerality.

DRINK IT WITH Ceviche with a shaved fennel salad. THE ORIGINAL SPANISH FIZZ

Codorniu Cuvée Barcelona 1872 Cava Brut Rosé Non-vintage Cava is the name given to Spanish sparkling wines made using the Champagne method. The Cuvée Barcelona 1872 commemorates the year in which the first Cava was made in the Codorniu cellars. The traditional Cava grape, white Parellada, contributes pear and peach flavours, while Pinot Noir and Grenache add red berry fruitiness.

DRINK IT WITH Tapas such as patatas bravas (potato wedges with a spicy aïoli), or even gazpacho.

THE DESSERTFRIENDLY MCC Graham Beck Bliss Demi Sec Non-Vintage

For those who don’t like their bubbly too dry, the Bliss is a demi-sec (from the French word demi for “half” and sec meaning “dry”). Ripe stone fruit aromas are underlined with butterscotch and praline notes, leading to a palate that’s filled with succulent summer berry and ripe apricots, with just enough sweetness to balance the fresh acidity.

DRINK IT WITH Rich desserts such as tarte tatin.

THE LOW-ALCOHOL MCC Villiera Méthode Cap Classique Light Brut Non-Vintage