Protégé Collection - Nompumelelo Mosaka

This wine was made by Nompumelelo under the mentorship of Charles Hopkins whilst she was at De Grendel Wine Estate during her second year as a Protégé.

Nkanyezi Blanc de Blancs is a Cap Classique made from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown on the slopes of Tygerberg at De Grendel. The wine was crafted with an intentional yet exploratory mindset, using a measured application of hyperoxidation at juice stage, followed by natural primary and malolactic fermentation, to explore texture, structure, and depth while preserving purity of expression. The base wine was bottled with liqueur de tirage and aged on the lees in bottle for 12 months before disgorging with no dosage.

Lively yet delicately textured, the nose opens with layered aromas of green apple and white peach, underpinned by subtle notes of yellow fruit. The palate is poised and structured, balancing freshness with depth. Natural malolactic fermentation lends a soft creaminess, while the measured hyperoxidation contributes a quiet oxidative nuance that adds subtle complexity - revealing an elegantly expressive character with a clean, delicious finish.

The name Nkanyezi, meaning "guiding star," reflects Nompumelelo's journey with the wine and the relationship developed over time. What initially drew her to Cap Classique was the precision and structure the style demands, but along the way this wine taught her patience, intentionality, and the importance of trusting the process. For her, sparkling wine became more than a celebratory drink - it became part of what she calls a "bubbles ritual": moments of slowing down, reflecting, and reconnecting with oneself. Nkanyezi is an invitation to embrace bubbles not only in moments of celebration, but also in moments of pause, presence, and quiet reflection.