South Africa may not be the loudest voice in the global wine world, but it continues to command attention with its mix of quality and value. At the 2025 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), the country’s traditional-method sparkling wine, Cap Classique, won three gold and seven silver medals, with top scores reaching 97 points, a fresh signal of the category’s growing potential..

Lesser known than Champagne, Prosecco or Cava, Cap Classique was born in the 1970s and uses the same secondary fermentation as Champagne. Production remains tiny by comparison — around 2.5 million bottles annually versus Champagne’s 400 million — but its artisanal scale has made it a favorite among wine lovers looking for individuality and authenticity.

Quality on the Rise

“Cap Classique is a growing category, and the quality is improving year on year,” said Dr. Winnie Bowman, Cape Wine Master and IWSC judge. “The best wines were complex, harmonious and beautifully balanced.”

For the first time, the IWSC held global judging sessions in South Africa, hosted in Paarl and led by Victoria Mason MW of The Wine Society. A record 65 Cap Classique wines were entered, and judges remarked on how far the category has come.

One reason: stricter rules. Bottles must now spend at least 12 months aging on lees, up from nine. “That’s probably one of the biggest differences I’ve seen,” Bowman noted. “The wines now show much more complexity, nuance and interest across the board.”

Producers and Styles That Shone

Among the winners, Graham Beck led the charge, taking two golds and three silvers from five entries, averaging 93.8 points, and earning the title of IWSC South African Producer of the Year. Its Cuvee Clive 2019 earned a score of 97 points.

Chardonnay-based Blanc de Blancs emerged as the star style, with seven of the ten awards. “Blanc de Blancs is a special category with wines that are extremely distinct yet complex,” said George Young, head sommelier at Dusk Restaurant.

The results highlight South Africa’s strength with Chardonnay, producing wines that balance elegance with diversity across regions — from the warm vineyards of Robertson to the cool mountain slopes of Elgin.

Value That Competes With Champagne

Cap Classique’s promise lies not only in quality but in its price point. The gold medal–winning Graham Beck Blanc de Blancs 2019, which scored 96 points, retails internationally for about $28 pre-tax, while the KWV Laborie Blanc de Blancs 2019, a silver medalist with 94 points, sells for as little as $19. KWV’s wines are already sold in China through Sam’s Club and online grocery platform Pupu, where they have built a reputation for value.

At roughly a quarter of Champagne’s price, Cap Classique offers comparable quality at an accessible entry point, boosting its appeal in global markets.

“Cap Classique has enormous value and potential in the UK market,” said journalist and podcast host David Kermode. “It’s a convincing and delicious alternative to Champagne. No one who makes it would pretend they’re making Champagne — but the wines showcase what South Africa does best, while offering exceptional value.”

With traditional craftsmanship, competitive pricing and growing recognition, Cap Classique is carving out a distinctive identity in the sparkling wine world. Its medal sweep at the IWSC confirms that South Africa’s fizz is finally enjoying its moment in the spotlight.

IWSC 2025’s Cap Classique Champions

Gold Medal Winners (96-97 points):

1. Graham Beck – Cuvée Clive 2019, Robertson (97 pts) – Opening with delicate white truffle and biscuit notes, revealing ripe orchard fruits and creamy lemon curd with warm pastry complexity.

2. Graham Beck – Blanc De Blancs 2019, Robertson (96 pts) – Delicate stone fruits with white truffle and nutty textures, vibrant jasmine, marzipan and spiced apple pie.

3. Simonsig Family Vineyards – Cuvée Royale 2020, Stellenbosch (96 pts) – Refined baked apple and marzipan with rounded, creamy layers and persistent mousse.