Ageing : Delicious when youthful and the primary grape bouquet is at its best.

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.

In the vineyard : The 2018 vintage was really challenging due to the prolonged drought, which some believe to be the worst in 100 years, accompanied by water restrictions. The expertise of the vineyard team and cellar were definitely put to the test by the warm and dry climatic conditions. In the vineyard and in the cellar we adapted our practices to decrease the effect of water shortage. The dry weather throughout the season did have its advantages as vines were healthy, with little or no pests or diseases being recorded in most regions. Due to the dry, warm weather it resulted in smaller berries, but with great intensity. We targeted certain blocks and picked at various ripening levels to obtain fruit and natural acidity.About the harvest: All the grapes were handpicked in bins.

In the cellar : All the grapes were handpicked in bins. The whole bunches were gently pressed in pneumatic presses to collect the most pure juice called the cuvée. The juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks, at about 14-16°C, with specially selected yeast strains to ensure optimum fruit and freshness in the wine