SIMONSIG RELEASES NEW KAAPSE VONKEL VINTAGE

Simonsig Estate has just released the 2008 vintage of the award-winning Méthode Cap Classique, Kaapse Vonkel Brut – a delicate and refreshing sparkler with great dimension and poise.

A renowned Cap Classique heralded as South Africa’s first bottle fermented sparkling wine produced by the late Frans Malan in 1971, Kaapse Vonkel made a clean sweep at the 2009 WINE Magazine Amorim Cork Cap Classique Challenge by clinching both 1^st and 2^nd place with the 2005 vintage. In 2002, Simonsig scooped the inaugural title with the Kaapse Vonkel 1999.

The Malans of Simonsig have a close relationship with their land and have learnt over time to unlock its secrets. “Our wines are the ultimate expression of our terroir. We select the grapes from specific vineyards that express typical varietal flavours in our wines,” says Winemaker Johan Malan. The grapes which make up the Kaapse Vonkel 2008 are the classic Champagne varietals Pinot Noir (49%), Chardonnay (45%) and Pinot Meunier (6%).

In addition to being the country’s first sparkling wine made according to the French tradition of secondary bottle fermentation, Kaapse Vonkel also became the first Cap Classique to use all three of the traditional grape varieties used in Champagne when Pinot Meunier was introduced in 1997.

“As the making of a good quality Cap Classique requires meticulous skill, gentle handling and utmost dedication, each of these varietals plays a crucial role in the developing curve of the wine,” adds Johan.

The Chardonnay imparts a clean, natural acidity or as Johan would describe it ‘the spine that runs through the wine’. The Pinot Noir fulfills body and taste and the delicious, aromatic fruit flavours of the Pinot Meunier blossoms early in the evolution of the wine.

“The 2008 vintage Chardonnay grapes were of excellent quality. High acids were achieved by some vineyards producing grapes ideal for malolactic fermentation, which adds dimension and complexity to the wine,” shares Johan who fermented a significant portion of Chardonnay in old French oak barrels to add even more complexity and breadth on the palate.

The Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel 2008 has a luminous pale straw hue and shows lively floral aromas with hints of sun-ripened Golden Delicious and citrus freshness on the nose. A classic biscuit character follows through to a nostalgic encounter of freshly baked bread on a rich, full palate. Think lemon creams or your favourite apple pie with almond pastry.

The mousse is extremely fine and enhances the roasted almond nuttiness in the mouth whilst respecting the fruit flavours from the grapes that linger well to a refreshing finish. Alluring with the finest, racy bubbles, this Cap Classique has all the attributes to gain in richness and complexity for four to six years.

As an aperitif the Kaapse Vonkel lends grandeur to any occasion. This bubbly is delicious with fresh oysters, patés and light soups or ideal to accompany dessert as it is perfect for cleaning the palate.

The Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel 2008 is available from R85 per bottle at selected supermarkets and fine wine outlets countrywide.