Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar 2020

Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar 2020

We were lucky to have Frans Malan of Simonsig Wine Estate in the Stellenbosch Appellation around some 50 years ago when he created Kaapse Vonkel – Cape Sparkle – the first South African Wine made Champagne-style with a second fermentation in the bottle. He was such a pioneer in his life on Simonsig. His sons Johan and Francois keep up the tradition and recently launched a Demi Sec, a half dry Cap Classique, the 2020 vintage of it made with 64% Chardonnay, 34% Pinot Noir, and 2% Pinot Meunier. The grapes were delicately whole bunch pressed to get the top-quality juice called the Cuvée. The elevation in the cellar involves making the base wine, this followed by a second fermentation with a higher dosage than usual and then 15 months lying on the lees. The wine is then degorged, and the cork ad wire muzzle applied.

The Malans of Simonsig

Pour

From a traditional Champagne Shaped bottle and closed with natural cork. The label is untraditional, fun, elegant, and bright. In the glass the wine is gembright, pale hay in colour with a mass of the tiniest bubbles rushing to the surface where they form a crown around the edges. The aromas are about Golden Delicious Apples, fresh sliced white fleshed peaches, warm brioche, and a mélange of fruits from the tropics. The palate is full and generous with preserved yellow fleshed peaches and lemon curd spread on shortbread. There is a lovely line of acidity from entry into the long and satisfying aftertaste. The wine is ready to drink once released.

Dalewood Fromage Brie

Pair

The Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar 2020 is a great sipping wine and brilliant with food. Brilliant with ripe mango slices with sliced ginger preserve and double thick plain yoghurt, just chill well. The more I used white wine with cheese, the more convinced I become that it is better than red wine as a partner. Dalewood Fromage, the Estate Cheese Farm in Paarl recently introduced a Petit Brie, which is a perfect partner to the wine.

The Dalewood Jersey Ladies in their mixed pasture