Is it because of the obvious price difference? The answer may NOT shock you.
Well obviously it's the price difference to begin with. Armand de Brignac (better known as Ace of Spades) can go for tens of thousands of Rands in any venue that actually has it on the menu while Veuve Rich is estimated around R2000 to R4000.
The Armand de Brignac Jeroboam is estimated around R72 000 (a whole deposit for a car, well if you're a regular joe) in night venues. Veuve does not regularly have magnum, jeroboam or balthazar easily accessible in night venues, and no nebuchadnezar available, making the 750ml bottle the most popular.
Now besides the price (we wanted to get that out of the way first since it's probably the main factor you thought of too) there are other sensible reasons why South Africans may prefer Veuve Rich over Armand de Brignac.
We have to first understand the taste of South Africa generally. A nation of sweet things and zestful flavours. Let's note that Ace of Spades is a brut, non-vintage sparkling wine which does leave it a bit vulnerable and almost certainly never guarantees that every offering will be the same. Veuve Cliquot on the other hand, is a house of vintages with about 66 released since 1841 or something like that. This means that each batch is made in the specific year and region and only that year and region whereas Ace of Spades is more of a mixture of vintages.
Veuve Rich (as described by 'Rich') is quite sweet as it is more of a cocktail combining Pinot Noir, Meunier and about 15% Chardonnay.
Basically, to put it into perspective for those who don't drink champagne, taste wise, Ace is a beer...Veuve is more of a cider. Armand de Brignac is a brut which means it's quite raw and unforgiving. You will taste the years in the wine. Veuve Rich on the other hand is made in such a way that you may even put ice-cubes in and it wouldn't be completely ruined. A very sweet, uncomplex taste compared to the Ace of Spades.
Now don't get this wrong, Armand de Brignac is rated as one of the best if not the best top selling champagne and it's complex taste is worth enjoying more indoors in a private location. Sitting under a sickamore tree with a helping of seared scallops, roasted quail and fresh water fish. Sounds like the life right?
Stay tuned.
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