Frans Malan, pioneer of Cap Classique, the sparkling wine celebrated on September 1st…

Thursday, 3 September, 2020
Michael Olivier
There always has to be a pioneer, one who takes the leap of faith, believing in the cause. Frans Malan was one of these.

In the early 70s he was experimenting with the second fermentation in the bottle, known as Methode Champenoise. Kaapse Vonkel became a legend in Frans’s lifetime. Today his sons Francois and Johan carry on the family tradition and with Charl Schoeman, their Cap Classique Maker, have broadened the range from the original Kaapse Vonkel Brut to Rosé, Demi Sec white and Rosé. They use Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinotage, South Africa’s own red wine grape.

Next year, 2021 celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the first bottling. Boschendal’s Achim von Arnim and very quickly afterwards followed by Jeff Grier of Villiera. Now there are some 80 producers of this style of wine, from Allée Bleue to Windfall.

I always recommend that Cap Classique be treated as a normal wine and used more freely than being kept for celebrating. But when celebrating – it is just bliss.

Read more about Simonsig Wine Estate - Click here. To find out more about Cap Classique - Click here.