in the vineyard : Frans Malan, the founder of Simonsig, was the first producer of Méthode Champenoise in South Africa dating back to 1971. Kaapse Vonkel became the first Cap Classique to use all three of the classic grape varieties used in Champagne when Pinot meunier was introduced in 1997. It is, like Pinot noir, a red grape variety with delicious aromatic fruit flavours and blossoms early in the evolution of the wine.
An ideal cold and wet winter was followed by a cool growing season with very healthy vineyards. The first Pinot Meunier was picked on 14 January, our earliest start ever. The cool conditions resulted in high natural acidity, ideal low pH levels and excellent fruit flavour intensity. A significant portion of the Chardonnay cuvee is barrel fermented in French oak for more complexity. Partial malolactic fermentation on the Chardonnay cuvee is done to add to the flavour.