Meet Aunty Nomaroma, an Elegant Bubbly
In 2023 I spent my first Christmas away from my biological family. No regrets – Dezemba is the most magical time in Cape Town! My soul sister Kayla and her family treated me to a legendary feast – seafood paella, roast lamb, chicken curry, and more desserts than I could count.
But obviously, I couldn't show up to a celebration empty-handed. Enter my favorite South African bubbly: Klein Goederust’s Nomaroma MCC.
For background, MCC stands for Méthode Cap Classique, South Africa's answer to Champagne. Same meticulous production method, similar grapes (think Chardonnay and Pinot Noir), but with a uniquely South African twist. Bonus fact: MCC can't be called Champagne because, well, the French have some pretty strict rules about their wine.
But back to the Nomaroma. This MCC goes beyond delicious. It's a story in a bottle. Klein Goederust holds a special place in my heart – it's the only Black-owned wine farm in Franschhoek, one of South Africa's premier wine regions. The owner, Paul Siguqa, is a mentor and huge inspiration: a son of farm laborers who saved for 15 years to buy land in the area where his family once worked.
And the Nomaroma itself? It's named after Paul's mother, a woman who started working in vineyards but eventually was moved to the cellar, where she crafted MCC with her own meticulous touch. Now her son’s team uses her recipe, and she still weighs in every vintage for quality control. You can truly taste the love and dedication in every sip.
Speaking of sips, Nomaroma is giving fresh apricot tart – a hint of tang, perfectly balanced by toasty notes. The bubbles are delicate, the color is liquid gold. It's an elegant wine with a story that deserves to be savored.
The Nomaroma was a runaway hit at our Christmas lunch, I’ve secured an invite for next year and I'll be bringing two bottles! For now, Klein Goederust's wines are a South African treasure. But that just gives you another reason to book your Cape Town trip – you won't be disappointed :)