With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we present to you Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé Cap Classique 2022 as our Wine of the Week.

Simonsig in Stellenbosch is one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa. The estate is synonymous with the history of the South African wine industry, the Stellenbosch wine region, and the Malan family name. These elements are intertwined in this family-owned farm, where, in 1971, the late Frans Malan produced the first bottle of their much-loved Kaapse Vonkel, South Africa’s first Cap Classique made in the classic bottle-fermented style. He is also honoured for co-founding the thriving Stellenbosch Wine Route, a first in its time.
Today, Frans Malan’s legacy lives on through his sons, Francois and Johan, and grandchildren Christelle and Michael, the 2nd and 3rd Malan generations at Simonsig Wine Estate.


In 2004 Simonsig winemaker, Johan Malan, created an innovative taste sensation by blending Pinot Noir with Pinotage and Pinot Meunier to launch the Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé. Two decades later, this vibrant brut rosé Cap Classique is still a favourite.
The grapes for the 2022 vintage of the Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé (a combination of Pinot Noir, Pinotage and Pinot Meunier) were handpicked in bins. The whole bunches were gently pressed in pneumatic presses to collect the purest juice called the cuvée. This cuvée was then fermented in stainless steel tanks, at about 14-16°C.

The final composition of the rosé is determined by meticulous tastings before the different cuvées are expertly blended, resulting in the most refined and fruity wine. The second fermentation – the fermentation in the bottle – then takes place, creating millions of magic bubbles.
(Did you know there are approximately 49 million bubbles in each bottle of Cap Classique?)
The bottles were matured in Simonsig’s cool and dark cellars for about 15 months, adding layers of yeasty complexity to the delicious red berry flavours. When the wine reached perfect harmony, the cellar team disgorged it to remove the yeast. In the final step, they added a small quantity of dosage to finish a perfectly balanced brut rosé.


The Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2022 is pale salmon. The vibrant Cap Classique has an elegant bubble with a persistent mousse. Its nose is captivating, with aromas of wild strawberries, field flowers, and sourdough bread. The palate is fresh and fruity, with flavours of fresh strawberries and raspberry sorbet.


Crisp acidity contributes freshness and flair to this delicate Cap Classique rosé. It is the ideal bubbly for any special occasion – like a romantic Valentine’s Day date!
Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2022 is excellent on its own but can also pair well with most seafood dishes; especially West Coast rock lobster – a seasonal Cape Town delicacy. It’s also lovely when served with fresh seasonal berries or any other light dessert. Serve it between 6-8°C.
Wine estate name: Simonsig
Location: Koelenhof, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
In Collaboration withwine.co.za.