Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2017, perfect with Dianne Bibby’s Cognac Apple Cake…
Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2017
Frans Malan the late, founder of Simonsig Wine Estate, with his wife Liza established the estate in the Stellenbosch Wine Appellation and then proceeded on the most incredible pioneering journey in wine. Their sons, Johan [Production Director] and Francois [Vineyardist] continue on this path with the launch of their latest new product, the Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2017. Frans created the first Kaapse Vonkel in the early 1970s. Since then the Simonsig range of the Champagne style wines, now known as Methode Cap Classique, has grown into a very comfortable little stable. The Satin Nectar is in keeping with the trend of sparkling wines for a little residual sugar for those who prefer this style. Several of the best-known Champagne houses are making this style of wine now which has taken off in a big way in Africa particularly.
Charl Schoeman, Kaapse Vonkel Maker on Simonsig Estate
The grapes in the blend for this wine are the traditional two black grapes of Champagne, Pinot Noir [72%] and Pinot Meunier [1%] with a goodly splash of our very own Pinotage [27%]. The grapes for the base wine were whole bunch pressed to collect the purest juice from them. This juice is known as cuvée. After fermentation and blending, the base wine is then bottled in Champagne shaped bottle with the yeast and a shot of sugar, with crown corks as closures. The second fermentation takes place providing the fine bubbles for which this wine is so well known. After being disgorged, the cork and muzzle are applied, and the wine is ready for labelling.
Pinot Meunier, minor player in the blend
Pour
From a Champagne shaped bottle with elegant pink livery. In the glass, the wine has a gem bright cherry blossom blush to it. The tiniest of bubble battle each other to reach the top of the glass where they form a crown around the edges. The aromas are of fraises des bois preserve, sappy ripe bloodplums and a freshly sliced ripe white fleshed peach. These are repeated on the palate with a perfect balance of the fruit, the residual sugar, the acidity and the bubbles.
Dianne Bibby’s Cognac Apple Cake
Pair
Don’t keep this only for celebratory purposes. This is a great wine with food, specifically Oriental dishes and gentle curries. Just so perfect with a delicious bake, late in the afternoon. Dianne Bibby’s Cognac Apple Cake is a lovely partner for this equally lovely Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Satin Nectar Rosé 2017. Click HERE for her recipe.
Dianne Bibby, cook, recipe developer, food photographer, website own, cookery book author
Listen to my 60 second podcast on this wine, click the little red arrow on the left.