Simonsig Family Vineyards, situated in Stellenbosch, the winemaking heart of the Cape Winelands, is home to South Africa’s first Cap Classique. Inspired by a visit to the Champagne region in France, Simonsig founder Frans Malan pioneered the first bottle-fermented sparkling wine in the country in 1971. This maiden Cap Classique was named Kaapse Vonkel (“Cape Sparkle”), a name that aptly inspired an effervescent Cap Classique movement among the Cape’s wine farmers. Today, wine lovers around the world delight in South Africa’s thriving Cap Classique industry, now embraced by over 250 producers nationwide – all thanks to one man who followed the sparkle in his heart.
More than 50 years of sparkling philosophy
Over five decades later, Cap Classique remains central to Simonsig’s winemaking philosophy, accounting for half of the farm’s production. The original Kaapse Vonkel legacy continues through meticulous winemaking, ongoing innovation, and a family-driven commitment to excellence – values showcased at the 23rd annual Amorim Cap Classique Challenge. Simonsig proudly took home the Trophy in the Nectar (demi-sec) style for the Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Royale Cap Classique (NV) and earned Gold Medals for the Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2020 and the recently disgorged Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2017.
Cap Classique with a proudly South African pedigree
Much like the bottle-fermented movement inspired by Frans Malan’s visit to France, the stylistic progression of Simonsig’s Cap Classiques still reflects the influence of its French counterparts. Early changes included replacing Chenin Blanc grapes with more traditional varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. In 1990, second-generation owner Johan Malan returned from Champagne with the dream of crafting cuvées capable of long evolution and the refined character associated with this sophisticated drink. This vision remains ingrained in Simonsig’s cellar techniques, which embrace extended lees aging to develop complexity and creaminess in the wines. A fine example of this technique is Simonsig’s Cuvée Royale, a premium Blanc de Blancs made from 100% Chardonnay, which spends up to 60 months on the lees, resulting in refined brioche aromas and a finely textured mousse.
While the ‘French connection’ remains, Simonsig’s Cap Classique team has steadily built a brand of Cap Classique wines that are proudly South African, boasting a distinctive and weighted quality. Under the expert guidance of winemaker Danna de Jongh, Simonsig has created a wave of Cap Classique wines that spark conversations and intrigue globally. In a recent review by Samantha Cole-Johnson for Jancis Robinson, Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel 2021 was praised for its elegance and complexity, with Cole-Johnson noting that it could easily “masquerade as Champagne” (at “£15.75! What value!!” she added).
“This observation illustrates that, unlike Champagne, South African Cap Classique doesn’t need a pedigree dating back to the 5th century to capture attention – what it has is impeccable quality,” commented Danna.
Six choices of Simonsig Cap Classique, six reasons to celebrate
For over five decades, Simonsig has bottled this “impeccable quality” under its Cap Classique closures, becoming a trusted companion to life’s joyous moments, with a ‘vonkel’ for every occasion.
The evolution of Simonsig’s Cap Classique is reflected in an impressive range of Cap Classique– from dry (Brut), Demi-Sec to Sweet (Nectar) – each with its own distinct character, yet all echoing Simonsig’s legendary heritage and ongoing dedication to crafting meticulous and soulful Cap Classique.
- Kaapse Vonkel Brut
As the first-ever Cap Classique, Kaapse Vonkel Brut holds a special place in South Africa’s Cap Classique history – and in wine lovers’ hearts. Made using the finest handpicked grapes, the wine undergoes whole-bunch pressing, and its juice is fermented at cool temperatures to preserve its fresh, fruity character. A portion of the Chardonnay ferments in older French oak barrels, adding complexity and depth. With a minimum of 15 months aging on the lees, Kaapse Vonkel Brut develops a fine mousse, crisp acidity, and elegant notes of green apple and citrus.
Festive qualities: The original South African Cap Classique, celebrated for over five decades and known for its sophisticated balance and finesse. Available online for R 205.00
- Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé
Introduced in 2004 by second-generation winemaker Johan Malan, the Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé is a delightful fusion of Pinot Noir, Pinotage, and Pinot Meunier. This blend creates an alluring Cap Classique with a delicate salmon hue and flavours of fresh berries. With at least 15 months of lees aging, it develops fine bubbles and added complexity, making it perfect for any occasion.
Festive qualities: A beautifully balanced rosé with vibrant fruit flavours and a crisp, refreshing finish, perfect for celebratory moments. Available online for R205.00
- Simonsig Cuvée Royale
Made from only the finest handpicked Chardonnay grapes grown on Stellenbosch’s premium vineyards, the Cuvée Royale represents the pinnacle of Simonsig’s Cap Classique production. Fermented in stainless steel to retain its bright fruit flavours, this Blanc de Blancs is aged on the lees for at least three years, adding layers of creaminess, depth, and finesse.
Festive qualities: A prestige Blanc de Blancs crafted from exceptional Chardonnay, offering unrivalled elegance and longevity. Available online for R500.00.
- Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar
For those who appreciate a touch of sweetness, the Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar offers a rich, demi-sec style with enticing notes of peach, honey, and biscuit. The wine is aged for 12 months on the lees, providing a creamy texture that perfectly balances the residual sugar with vibrant acidity.
Festive qualities: A luscious demi-sec Cap Classique, ideal for those who enjoy a slightly sweeter, more indulgent sparkling wine experience. Available online for R205.00
- Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé
This demi-sec rosé version of the Satin Nectar is simply delicious, with a captivating salmon-pink colour and flavours of strawberries, cranberries, and subtle florals. Aged for 12 months on the lees, this wine combines fruit-driven exuberance with a soft, smooth finish.
Festive qualities: A vivacious and refreshing demi-sec rosé, perfect for pairing with desserts or enjoying on its own. Available online for R205.00.
- Kaapse Vonkel Satin Royale
The most recent addition to the Simonsig Cap Classique family, Kaapse Vonkel Satin Royale is a prestige cuvée made in a demi-sec style (between dry and Nectar on the sweetness scale). It is aged for 36 months on the lees, resulting in a Cap Classique of remarkable depth, elegance, and sophistication.
Festive qualities: A limited-release prestige cuvée that showcases the pinnacle of Simonsig’s winemaking, offering a luxurious and rare sparkling wine experience. Available online for R600.00.
To welcome any of these wines to your festive table this season, visit www.simonsig.co.za for online orders and cellar-to-door delivery – or find them at your favourite leading retailer nationwide.
