Canto Wines MCC and Macaron Pairing Perfection

At Canto Wines, they’ve perfected the ideal pairing – MCC (Méthode Cap Classique) and macarons. The delicate bubbles and indulgent flavors of their MCC complement the creamy almond notes in their macarons perfectly. Not only is the pairing fantastic, though, the Estate is also beautiful with sweeping views of the vineyards and green lawns stretching to the hills. Located just a short distance from Durbanville suburb in Cape Town, being at Canto feels like stepping into a different part of the city altogether. While Canto’s name may not be as widely recognized as some industry giants, this boutique estate boasts its own hidden charms and exceptional wine selections.

Vineyards, Cape Dutch Beauty, and Spectacular Views at Canto Wines!

When you arrive at Canto, you’ll walk by their pretty, green vineyards. The striking Cape Dutch building resembling a chapel is hard to miss. This is where they have tastings and produce their wine. There’s loads of parking and a spacious grassy area. For me, the views here are the best in the entire Durbanville Wine Valley!

Canto Wines was born when Marinus Neethling, an avid wine enthusiast and local proprietor, took advantage of an opportunity to acquire a 48-hectare parcel of land, with 18 hectares dedicated to vineyards, previously part of the neighboring Meerendal Wine Estate. Nowadays, this piece of winemaking paradise boasts low-yielding vineyards producing exquisite, unwooded Merlot, Chardonnay, and MCC wines. The area has flourished into a thriving haven for winemaking, complete with a stylish winery and tasting room facility.

The Tasting Room at Canto Wines

The Cellar Building, once a Meerendal function venue, has undergone a stylish transformation for Canto. Combining modern and classic elements, blending edgy with functional, and incorporating a mix of wood and glass, it now stands as a beautiful Tasting Room with a relaxed and appealing ambiance.

We chose to sit on the tall stools as our host guided us through the fabulous MCC and macaron pairing at Canto.

The Elegence of MCC

Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) is a term used in the South African wine industry to denote sparkling wines that are crafted using the traditional method, similar to the méthode champenoise used in the Champagne region of France. The term “Cap Classique” translates to “Classic Cape” and signifies the high quality and traditional production methods associated with these sparkling wines. Canto makes outstanding MCC, and if you stop by, it’s definitely worth giving it a try.

The Art of Macarons

A macaron is a quintessential French delicacy celebrated for their crispy yet chewy texture and a variety of delicious flavors. Made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, these dainty pastries have a thin, crunchy exterior with a soft inside when bitten into. The appeal of macarons lies in their perfect balance of sweetness, coupled with a diverse range of fillings such as ganache or buttercream.

A heavenly match: MCC and Macarons at Canto

For R140 per person, Canto Wines offers a tasty pairing of MCC and macarons with a selection that includes:

• Chardonnay MCC Brut 2015, paired with a Hazelnut macaroon.
• Shiraz Rose MCC Brut 2013, paired with a Red Velvet macaroon.
• Pinot Noir MCC Brut 2013, paired with a Turkish Delight macaroon.
• Canto Chardonnay/Pinot Noir MCC Brut 2014, paired with a Salted Caramel macaroon.

Trying out this interesting and fun combo was so much fun, and everything tasted really great! However, my top pick was the Hazelnut with the Chardonnay MCC Brut 2015. Something else I really enjoyed about the tasting is that our host gave us a quick overview of the wines and macaroons before letting us enjoy each tasting at our own pace. And just look at their beautiful handcrafted tasting boards – a lovely little touch!

People love Canto for its amazing pizzas, too, and I totally get why. We got the Biltong, Feta, Fig Preserve, Blue Cheese, and Sweet Chilli pizza, and it was hands down one of the best I’ve had recently. However, just remember, you can only order pizzas from Wednesday to Sunday.

Canto Wine Tasting

After such a great tasting, I was very curious to try their range of still wines, too. For R75pp, you can try 5 wines from the Canto Range, as listed below:

• Chardonnay (unwooded) 2020
• Sauvignon blanc 2020
• Wooded Chardonnay 2019
• Pinotage 2018
• Merlot 2017

I don’t know a lot about wine, but the wooded Chardonnay really surprised me. The wine had a full and rich taste, with a toasty lingering flavor.

Tastings & pairings at Canto

The MCC & Macarons at Canto are a hit, but there are also other great tastings and pairings to explore, as listed below.

• MCC tasting: R95pp for 4 MCC’s
• Artisan tonic water + macaron pairing: R100pp for 4 tonic water’s + 4 macarons
• Gin & tonic infused pairing: R140pp for 4 Gins

Picnics at Canto Wines

Canto has big, green lawns where you can enjoy a picnic in shaded spots under the trees. All it takes is a minimum deli purchase of R180 (excluding wine and beverage purchases) to secure your spot on the lawn for up to 4 people. Because there are only 10 picnic spots, it’s a first-come, first-serve situation so make sure to either arrive early or make a reservation in advance. Note: Canto only hosts picnics on Saturdays and Sundays.

To sum it up, the MCC and macaron pairing at Canto Wines is simply fantastic. The bubbly MCC with creamy almond macarons is a tasty combo, set against beautiful Cape Town vineyard views. Beyond wine, there are also lovely picnic spots and delicious pizzas! So, plan a visit and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and the lovely atmosphere at Canto.

Contact Info

For more information about the tasting experiences offered by Canto Wines, reach out to them at +27 (021) 492 2821 or +27 (082) 578 6821. Alternatively, drop them an email at info@cantowines.co.z.

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