Starlight Brut NV
Starlight Brut is a new innovation form Villiera. Renowned for their pioneering efforts, Villiera has created the first low alcohol Cap Classique without quality compromise. When Cap Classique was first enjoyed, drinkers likened the experience to tasting the stars. between 28-32⁰C. It is aged for 6 months in second fill oak casks to round off the tannins.
Whole bunches are pressed very gently using a Champagne pressing program. Only the cuvee (best quality juice) is used in the blend. After blending, a small amount of alcohol is removed to ensure it meets the requirements for light wine. Yeast and sugar are added for a secondary fermentation in the bottle which takes 6 weeks, producing CO2. The sparkling wine is matured in contact with the lees for 12 months. Starlight Brut can age for at least 2 years from date of purchase. With age the wine softens in flavour, maintaining its sparkle, giving a fulfilling balance of age and fruit.
This light “Methode Cap Classique” (bottle fermented sparkling wine) is a blend of red & white grapes displaying light, balanced yeasty complexity synonymous with a wine made in this style. The wine retains its fresh racy zestiness that is a result of crisp acidity and delicate fruit.
About the Producer
Villiera Wines
Vielliera is a large farm on the edge of the Stellenbosch appellation. For over 30 years the Griers of Villiera have been unlocking the marvels of nature to create the distinctive wines and sparkling wines that bear the family name.
Of the 400ha around half is dedicated to vineyards with the balance set aside as a wildlife reserve. This is the quintessential family business, with cousins Simon and Jeff working in the vines and cellar respectively, whilst Jeff’s sister, Cathy, runs the sales and marketing.
One of the early supporters of ‘green’ viticulture, viticulturist Simon Grier has always been a keen supporter of maintaining environmentally friendly vineyard practices. The farm has not sprayed insecticides for the past thirteen years and a flock of 1000 Peking ducks are responsible for some natural pest control.
The Grier’s are also responsible for running several social upliftment projects off the farm, including a day care centre for educating the 30-odd children, belonging to Villiera’s farm workers, and an after-school club. There is also a commitment to the Pebbles Project, teaching the kids the benefits of environmental awareness.
Villiera are also highly active in this field. There is a strong focus on water conservation, recycling and a greening project, which entails the planting of 1000’s of indigenous trees on the farm. This philosophy has led to a vibrant eco-system on the farm, including huge flocks of guinea fowl and pheasant as well as steenbok, Cape foxes, grey mongooses, porcupines and the threatened blue crane.
