COLOUR
White
TYPE
Sparkling
VINTAGE
2018
GRAPE
Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir
PRODUCER
Charles Fox Wine Estate
REGION
Western Cape
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Medium
Sweetness
Dry
Acidity
Medium - High
Finish
Long
Intensity
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Charles Fox Cipher 2018 is a Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wine from the Elgin region of South Africa. Produced by Charles Fox Wine Estate, it is a Blanc de Noir made from Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. The estate was founded by Charles and Zelda Fox in 2005 with a focus on producing premium Cap Classique. The vineyards are located at elevations between 230m and 300m on Tukulu soils with weathered shale. The wine is recognized for its finesse and minerality, with the 2018 vintage receiving significant accolades, including Cap Classique of the Year in the 2025 Platter's wine guide.
ALCOHOL
12.5%
AVG. PRICE
STYLE
Classic
SULPHITES
NO
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
6-10°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Awarded Cap Classique of the Year (98 points) in Platter's 2025 guide.
Fact 02
A 'pièce de résistance' for the estate, crafted for connoisseurs.
Fact 03
Blended by a Reims-based Champagne producer, Nicolas Follet.
Fact 04
Aged for five years on lees in underground cellars.
FOOD PAIRING
Read more
WINE MAKING PROCESS
The Charles Fox Cipher is produced using the Méthode Cap Classique, the traditional method for sparkling wine. This involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, followed by an extended aging period of five years on the lees in underground cellars. The blend is overseen by Nicolas Follet, a producer from Reims. The grapes are sourced from the estate's vineyards in Elgin, which are planted on elevated sites with specific soil types.
