The new tasting experience, the brainchild of Simonsig Cap Classique and white winemaker, Hannes Meyer, consists of a line-up of three bubblies, Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel 2010, South Africa’s first bottle fermented sparkling wine, followed by the blushing debutante, Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé and, to add that extra touch of grandeur, the acclaimed Cuvée Royale 2010. “As our trail blazer, the 2010 Kaapse Vonkel, is the perfect start to this absolute taste induclgence,” says Hannes who chose carrot cake with a cream cheese frosting for this taste combination. “The complexity and fuller palate of Kaapse Vonkel 2010 with its beautiful citrus nose melds perfectly with the carrot cake. Its well-balanced acidity and baked bread character makes it an excellent pairing with the cream cheese frosting, whilst the subtle cinnamon of the carrot cake allows the fruitiness of the bubbly to come to the fore ,” says Hannes. Next up is Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé 2012, a celebration of summer in a glass, paired with a blueberry and lemon Madeleine.“The elegance and softness of fine red berry aromas and hints of strawberry make this Brut Rosé an excellent pairing for the light textured Madeleine,” says Hannes who explains how the freshness of this pink Cap Classique picks up the blueberry and lemon flavours, rounding off the mouthfeel and ending in a long, lingering finish. The tasting concludes on a high note when the Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2010, a blanc de blancs made from 100% Chardonnay, is paired with lemon poppy seed cake crowned with lemon curd. “Fresh and lively, this prestige cuvée with its classic green apple and citrus flavours enhances the zesty lemon curd, whilst the freshness of the Cuvée Royale cuts through the buttery creaminess, acting as a palate cleanser with its polished acidity and light, elegant finish,” concludes Hannes. If a sparkling wine tour is on your bucket list, then a visit to Simonsig Estate, producers of South Africa’s first Méthode Cap Classique back in 1971 is a must. The Méthode Cap Classique and cake tastings are offered daily at R50 per person at the newly renovated Simonsig Estate Tasting Room. To ensure your spot, contact Alismi Smit on Tel: 021 888 4915 or asmit@simonsig.co.za.