Description
What kind of wine is it
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Méthode Cap Classique is a highly prestigious South African sparkling wine, recognised as the first Cap Classique of the region. This Brut is crafted from a refined blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, produced according to the principles of the Traditional Method. The bouquet opens with fragrant notes of fresh apple, white peach and citrus blossom. On the palate, it reveals a vibrant freshness accompanied by hints of lemon and raspberry, enriched by a yeasty complexity reminiscent of brioche. The finish is harmonious, characterised by a lingering minerality and a silky texture.
Where does it come from
This wine hails from Stellenbosch, one of the most celebrated wine regions of the Western Cape. The vineyards tended by Simonsig are rooted in soils rich in sandstone, granite and slate, which impart a pronounced mineral character to the glass. The terroir shapes a style based on the balance between fruit purity and a marked natural acidity. The result of the Malan family's vision, this label embodies the excellence of South Africa, standing as a cornerstone for the country's entire sparkling wine production.
How is it produced
Production begins with hand harvesting of the grapes and gentle whole-bunch pressing. The must ferments in stainless steel tanks with the use of selected yeasts. To add structure without overpowering the delicate aromas, the Chardonnay is partially aged in old French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation is not carried out to preserve the wine's acidic tension. The wine then follows the Traditional Method protocol, with secondary fermentation in the bottle and slow maturation on the lees, a fundamental process for developing a fine and elegant mousse. The entire production cycle follows careful organic practices.
History and Curiosities
Born from the passion of the Malan family, the Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2023 from Simonsig is a winemaking masterpiece, renowned for being the first to introduce the South African Cap Classique Method. The extended maturation on the lees in the bottle gives this sparkling wine from Stellenbosch exceptional depth, revealing elegant aromas of apple, white peach and citrus blossom. On the palate, it offers a lively mineral freshness, intertwined with complex nuances of brioche. An absolute icon of balance and refinement, appreciated for its extraordinary value for money.
Tasting notes
Perlage
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
06 - 08 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
These elements are intertwined in this family-owned farm, where the late Frans Malan produced the first bottle of our much-loved Kaapse Vonkel, South Africaʼs first Méthode Cap Classique made in the classic bottle-fermented style. He is also honoured for co-founding the thriving Stellenbosch Wine Route, a first in its time. Today, his legacy lives on through his sons, Francois and Johan, and grandchildren Francois-Jacques, Christelle and Michael, the 2nd and 3rd Malan generations at Simonsig Wine Estate. Read more
| Name | Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Cap Classique Brut 2023 |
|---|---|
| Type | White green classic method sparkling wine brut |
| Denomination | N/A |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 54% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Nero, 1% Pinot Meunier |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | South Africa |
| Vendor | Simonsig |
| Story | History and Curiosities Born from the passion of the Malan family, the Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2023 from Simonsig is a winemaking masterpiece, renowned for being the first to introduce the South African Cap Classique Method. The extended maturation on the lees in the bottle gives this sparkling wine from Stellenbosch exceptional depth, revealing elegant aromas of apple, white peach and citrus blossom. On the palate, it offers a lively mineral freshness, intertwined with complex nuances of brioche. An absolute icon of balance and refinement, appreciated for its extraordinary value for money. |
| Origin | Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Soil composition | Sandstone, granite and slate |
| Fermentation temperature | Circa 15.7 °C (approximately 15–17 °C) |
| Production technique | Cap Classique Method (traditional bottle fermentation) |
| Wine making | After two days of settling, the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks at around 15–17 °C with selected yeast strains; a portion of the Chardonnay is fermented in old French oak barrels to add complexity. Malolactic fermentation is not carried out in order to preserve the wine's freshness. Cap Classique Method (traditional bottle fermentation) with extended maturation on the lees. |
| Aging | Prolonged maturation on the lees (on the yeast sediments) |
| Total acidity | 7.7 gr/L |
| PH | 3.1 |
| Residual sugar | 4.1 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |

