Wednesday, 27 October, 2021
Wines of South Africa, Tshepang Molisana
Danie De Wet, Johann’s father, was among the South African winemakers who smuggled Chardonnay into South Africa in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s to circumvent the KWV’s onerous regulations. The Burgundian grape has flourished in various regions, throughout the Cape, despite its cantankerous origin story.
In Robertson, a significant portion of the Burgundian grape goes towards the production of Cap Classique.
In South Africa, the production of Cap Classique refers to the method of making sparkling wine in the traditional method – where the second fermentation occurs in the bottle. The first South African producer to succeed at making Cap Classique was Simonsig in Stellenbosch in 1971. Their Kaapse Vonkel is derived from ‘Cape Sparkle’ – a fitting tribute to the category.
The two most popular grapes for the production of Cap Classique are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, although winemakers have continued to experiment with other grapes. For instance, Swartland producer, Huis van Chevallerie has pioneered a Rosé Cap Classique from uniquely South African Pinotage grapes.
Johann says that the wealth of limestone soils in Robertson add to the success of Chardonnay in this wine region.
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