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The idea of doing a comparative tasting between an MCC and a Champagne started when a neighbour told me about their holiday to Champagne, and that that trip made him buy cases full of Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel upon return to South Africa. That is when I remembered how people's faces lit up when we were given a Kaapse Vonkel at the Cape Wine Academy and they could identify it right away. The Kaapse Vonkel is a blend between Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier – it is therefore comparable to some extent with a Champagne blend.
Next to the Champagne, the bubbles were more delicate and it had a deeper golden colour. On the nose, one picks up some yeast, white peach and pears. It is a delicate MCC with a soft entry, sweet on the tip of the tongue, and develops well on the palate with notes of stone fruit, citrus, flowers and green apples. It maintains a good acidity and freshness throughout.
This is the first MCC that was produced in South Africa in 1971. Upon revealing it, after our tasting, I was corrected when I said that it was the Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel: most people emphasised that it should be "good old Kaapse Vonkel". It is clear that this wine needs no introduction among the South African market and is certainly a favourite! There are thus at least two reasons why you should try it: firstly because it is a really great MCC and, secondly, because it is an iconic wine in the history of South African wine production!
Producer: Simonsig
Variety: Chardonnay 50%, Pinot Noir 49%, Pinot Meunier 1%
Vintage: 2019
Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
Winemaker: Frans Malan
Closure: Natural cork
Alcohol: 12.22%
RS: 4.1g/l
Average price: R190
Rating: 94/100
Website: https://www.simonsig.co.za/
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