Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2020

I recently presented this wine at a rosé only tasting. It was a great start to prepare people for what was about to come their way with rosé becoming such a serious business lately. Kaapse Vonkel proved to be a great start to any wine tasting, and the Brut Rosé is nothing different. Pioneer in South African MCC, Johan Malan, launched this sparkling wine in 2004 when he blended Pinot Noir, Pinotage, and Pinot Meunier to create this unique wine.

In the glass, this wine has a light pink to rose gold colour with vibrant bubbles. On the nose, it offers notes of red apples, tinned strawberries, bruised cherries, and lemon. On the palate, it has a persistent mousse that reminds of fresh brioche, followed by red fruit such as the strawberries and apples offered on the nose. The cool fermentation and 15-month bottle fermentation add to a soft mouthfeel. It is a complex wine with intense flavours, a good freshness and a floral finish.

This wine is ideal to have on its own, before some complex red wines or with meals such as fresh seafood dishes and a steak tartare. It will be best enjoyed slowly and chilled well.

Producer: Simonsig

Variety: Pinot Noir 74%, Pinotage 23%, Pinot Meunier 3%

Vintage: 2020

Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa

Winemaker: Michael Frans Malan

Closure: Cork

Alcohol: 12%

RS: 6.2g/l

Average price: R185

Rating: 88/100