Matthys Botes is the winemaker behind South Africa’s leading sparkling wine brand, J.C. Le Roux, the country’s first cellar devoted entirely to the art of making premium bubbly.
Established in 1982 in the picturesque Devon Valley of the world-renowned Stellenbosch wine region, the brand is named after French Huguenot Jean Le Roux, who settled in the area in 1704 and planted its first vines.
J.C. Le Roux is celebrated for its passion, craftsmanship, and expertise in producing both Cap Classique and vibrant, accessible sparkling wines designed to suit every palate, pocket, and occasion. It is, quite literally, South Africa’s go-to for any celebration.
Botes, born and raised in Worcester and now living in Brackenfell with his wife Anel – whom he met at university – and their two children, was destined for the vineyards from an early age. He spent countless hours in the vines of Rawsonville where his grandfather worked as a farm manager. It was here that his fascination with viticulture and winemaking began, especially during the electric energy of harvest season.
Although he initially intended to pursue paediatrics, the call of the vine proved stronger. Botes went on to study Oenology and Viticulture at Stellenbosch University.
After graduating, he broadened his experience working several harvests in Australia before returning home to complete his Master’s degree. In 2001, he joined Distell (now HEINEKEN Beverages) as an experimental winemaker in the research and development department, gaining broad exposure to wine, spirits, and RTDs (ready-to-drink beverages), including FABs (flavoured alcoholic drinks).
In 2007, Botes undertook an internship at the renowned family-run Spottswoode Winery in California, known for its boutique, ultra-premium wines and commitment to sustainability.
He was appointed winemaker at J.C. Le Roux in 2019, bringing decades of experience and a passion for innovation to a globally recognised brand that has consistently earned accolades, including first place in the Champagne/Sparkling Wine category in the 2022 City Press Readers’ Choice Awards and being named Top Sparkling Wine Brand for five consecutive years in the Ask Afrika Icon Brands Survey.
Under Botes’ leadership, J.C. Le Roux has continued to push boundaries, producing exceptional sparkling wines and pioneering many category firsts.
Ahead of the Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival, happening on May 24 & 25 at the Inanda Polo Club, in which J.C. Le Roux is a top sponsor, we sat down with Botes over a glass of bubbly and asked him a few questions:
Can you tell us more about the J.C. Le Roux bubblies that will be available for tasting and buying at this year’s event?
Absolutely! We’re thrilled to be the headline sponsor of this annual celebration of South Africa’s finest bubblies, and we’re excited to showcase the stars of our range, from fruit-forward favourites to our more refined, drier-styled sparkling beauties. Think of those wines that form the heartbeat of our brand, the ones that made J.C. Le Roux a household name:
- Le Domaine, with its signature crisp freshness and gently sweet palate;
- La Fleurette, our vibrant sparkling rosé bursting with flavours of strawberries, plums, and tropical fruit;
- La Chanson, South Africa’s first red sparkling wine, with alluring sweet notes of strawberries and plums;
- and our dry-styled Sauvignon Blanc sparkling wine, the country’s first of its kind, boasting fresh litchi, pineapple, and granadilla flavours.
We’ll also be pouring our lauded Cap Classique: Scintilla; our elegant Nectar collection of semi-sweet sparkling wines, Demi-Sec and Rosé; as well as our non-alcoholic options (Le Domaine and La Fleurette) and our convenient 250ml single-serve cans, perfect for on-the-go refreshment.
Which is your favourite and why?
While I’m a big fan of both our classic sweet and off-dry styles, I have to single out the J.C. Le Roux Scintilla Cap Classique of the 2015 vintage. It has earned numerous awards for its outstanding quality, including Double Gold at the 2022 Michelangelo Awards and the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge. Most notably, it won the Cap Classique Trophy at the 2023 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. It’s a wine that reflects our highest standards, originally set by my talented predecessor, Elunda Basson, who served as cellarmaster from 2007 to 2019.
What dishes do they each pair well with?
While oysters and caviar are always a classic, there are so many creative and delicious pairings that can be enjoyed every day. Le Domaine pairs beautifully with Thai chicken curry, delicate macarons, or traditional brandy pudding with custard; La Fleurette is wonderful with bacon and Camembert flapjacks topped with fresh berries or a white chocolate cheesecake with berry coulis; La Chanson complements beef and butterbean curry or lemon cheesecake with blueberries. Our Sauvignon Blanc sparkling wine shines alongside grilled fish and seafood, especially smoked salmon, as well as fresh salads with citrus vinaigrettes, goat cheese, and veggie-forward dishes featuring asparagus or peppers.
For the Nectar Demi-Sec wines, think fruity desserts, baked puddings like pecan pie with ice cream, sushi or sashimi, or savoury dishes like slow-cooked pork, spicy South Indian prawn curry, or creamy cheeses like Brie and Camembert. They’re also great with savoury tarts such as ricotta and spinach quiche. And finally, Scintilla is a celebration in itself. I’d reserve it for a special occasion, served with tuna tartare, scallops, crayfish, or Karoo lamb chops with Maldon salt. For dessert, try it with fine choux pastries.
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?
J.C. Le Roux is known for exceptional quality, elegant aesthetic and attention to detail – with members of our J.C. Le Roux family having lovingly placed each ribbon onto our bottles by hand, for over 45 years. We’re passionate about bubbles and the joy they bring to every moment. Every celebration is an invitation, and with J.C. Le Roux, yours always awaits.
If you can’t make it to this year’s festival, we invite you to visit The House of J.C. Le Roux, our Home of Celebration, in the heart of Devon Valley, Stellenbosch. It’s a stunning destination to experience our vibrant and expressive sparkling wines, created for every mood, taste, and moment. It’s a lush, luxurious, and family-friendly environment that embodies who we are: the leaders in South African sparkling wine. Come for a tasting, cellar tour, and a delicious meal in our welcoming restaurant. We look forward to celebrating with you!
For more information or to explore the J.C. Le Roux range, visit www.jcleroux.co.za.
The Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival takes place on May 24 & 25 at the Inanda Polo Club, Sandton, with tastings running from 11h00 to 14h30 and sales and live music taking over from 14h30 until doors close at 16h00.
Other confirmed producers in attendance include Amari Lush, Anthonij Rupert Wyne (L’Ormarins), Black Elephant Vintners, Boschendal, Carrol Boyes Wines, Graham Beck, Haute Cabrière (home of Pierre Jourdan), House of Azari, Khulu Fine Wine, Laborie Cap Classique, Nanola Wines, Quoin Rock, Siwela Wines, Steenburg Vineyards, The House of BNG, Villiera Wines and WCellar. Among the various food stalls offering delicious dishes will be: Taco Burger, King Arabic, DimSumFest, Icon Sushi, Sumting Fresh, Tumi’s Charcuterie Cart Chateau Gateaux, Christine’s Biltong and Holly’s Nougat.
Live music will come courtesy of saxophonist extraordinaire Lobelo and Cape Town DJ phenomenon Shen FM, and this year’s theme is Sophisticated Floral Chic, with fabulous prizes awarded for the best dressed.
Tickets are available from Webtickets and include Hospitality tickets* (R850pp), with private entrance access to the venue, a dedicated area with a host and security guard, a welcome glass of Taittinger Champagne, a branded crystal tasting glass, 20 tasting coupons and a complimentary bottle of bubbly to take home and General Admission tickets (R450pp), which include a crystal tasting glass and ten tasting coupons.
* Hospitality tickets for Saturday are sold out, but there are still some available for Sunday.