Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut

South African wine has plenty of important names, but Simonsig sits in a particularly significant position. Not only because the wines have been around for generations, but because the estate helped shape large parts of modern South African wine itself. The Malan family have been farming in Stellenbosch since the late seventeenth century, which gives them a slight head start over most people.

Located on the slopes of Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, the estate works across a broad range of styles, from Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon through to Pinotage and Bordeaux-inspired blends. The vineyards benefit from the combination of warm sunshine and cooling coastal influence that makes Stellenbosch one of the country's great wine regions.

Simonsig are perhaps most famous for Kaapse Vonkel, the first traditional method sparkling wine produced in South Africa back in 1971. Long before Cap Classique became internationally recognised, Simonsig were already proving the style could work brilliantly at the Cape.

The still wines carry the same sense of balance. The reds tend towards dark fruit, spice and structure without becoming overly heavy, while the whites often show bright citrus, stone fruit and freshness. Nothing feels designed purely around power.

What keeps Simonsig relevant is that it combines history with a willingness to keep evolving. Plenty of wineries have heritage. Fewer continue finding useful ways to build on it.