Tell us about your journey to becoming a winemaker
Can you tell us about the five Pongrácz cap classiques that will be available at the show? First off, our popular Pongrácz Brut, which is a timeless cap classique with great elegance and complexity . . . Crisp-green apple notes and nuttiness of freshly baked bread are prevalent on the nose; on the palate, delicate yeasty tones, layered with toast and ripe fruit are enlivened by a firm mousse and persistent bead that make it particularly attractive. It imparts a wonderful foamy mouthful of blackberry fruit flavours with a long lingering aftertaste. Then we have our equally popular Pongrácz Rosé, which delights the palate as much as the eye and evokes an air of romance with its delicate salmon pink hue. Delicate strawberry tones are layered with whiffs of baked bread; on the palate it is perfectly balanced with clean acidity and juicy blackberry fruit. For those who like their bubbly a little sweeter, we have the Pongrácz Noble Nectar, which is presented in a beautifully shaped purple-hued bottle. On the palate the velvety, creamy butter and citrus notes blend seamlessly with delicate bubbles, light yeasty aromas, crisp, juicy pears, and litchi. The Pongrácz Nectar Rosé delights and evokes an air of romance with its delicate cherry blossom hue. It features great complexity on the palate with lower alcohol and enhanced sweetness, strawberry and red berries, layered with nuances of spicy aromas and yeasty undertones. The firm mousse and persistent bead reveal wonderful red berry and spicy flavours, rounded off with a light yet lingering aftertaste. And finally, our showstopper is the Desiderius, which comes handcrafted in a uniquely-styled fluted bottle that epitomises elegance, quality and nobility. This magnificent cap classique encapsulates grace and exceptional character. It is alluring with a rich complexity and a slight green tint that teems with lively bubbles. Nuances of fresh fruit, almonds and rich buttery bread, delight the senses.
Which is your favourite and why? Desiderius is my favourite, as the complex, rich, nutty and yeasty aromas remind me of my grandmother’s kitchen where I spent many a day as a young boy helping her with her baking.
What dishes do they each pair well with? The Pongrácz Brut is perfect for any occasion and is a superb partner to sashimi, oysters in a red onion vinaigrette or salads; the Pongrácz Rosé lends itself to rich duck confit and is a “must” with truffle and mushroom risotto; the Pongrácz Noble Nectar is gorgeous on its own or served with Marsala or Thai chicken curry, smoorsnoek parcels, duck spring rolls served with a quince and chilli jam as well as with desserts such as fresh strawberries, créme brûlée or tiramisu; the Pongrácz Nectar Rosé pairs fabulously with charcuterie and tapas, deli sandwiches, mildly spiced Asian dishes, roast pork, feta and spinach tartlets, seared salmon or tuna steak and, if accompanying dessert, it is the perfect match for rose Turkish delight, panna cotta with vanilla and raspberry, strawberry meringues or even enjoyed with a Victoria sponge cake. and finally, the Desiderius goes well with bitter dark chocolate, duck liver parfait and orange scented delights.
What do you like to do to relax when you’re away from the vineyards? I love to spend time with the family and enjoy the outdoors and nature. I am fascinated by history books, movies and music, and never far away from appreciating good wine, great food and the company of friends.
Anything else you would like to add? Pongrácz is the perfect cap classique to enjoy, from celebratory occasions to special gatherings or to simply elevate everyday moments. I hope visitors to the Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival will stop by the Pongrácz stand to sample our five bubblies and afterwards choose a favourite for themselves!
