The Society's Exhibition Cap Classique 2023

A rich, toasty, apple-forward sparkling wine with a fine, well-integrated mousse and crisp, bready finish. Ideal as an aperitif, this has added weight and richness thanks to South Africa's warm climate to pair beautifully will all manner of foods but cod or haddock and chips from the local chippy in particular. The Cape Floral Region is one of the most richly diverse parts of the world in terms of numbers of different plant species and endemism, but is threatened by agriculture and industry. At third-generation family producer, Simonsig, cellarmaster Michael Malan and viticulturist Nicole Pelzer are excited to begin a multi-year landscape-scale biodiversity restoration project which will give space for the native Fynbos and Renosterveld vegetation to thrive on the estate. Three years of funding from the Climate and Nature Programme will enable Simonsig to 'bring back the fynbos', through the development a 2.5ha fynbos block on land formerly planted to vines and through the creation of wildlife corridors between vineyard blocks. By removing invasive species and reintroducing indigenous – and endemic – vegetation, they will be providing new habitats for birds, insects and other species and building biodiversity in the vineyards. As members of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (in partnership with CapeNature), Simonsig will share learnings and encourage collaboration with other growers in the region. We firmly believe that a vineyard buzzing with life will make better wine and are delighted to partner with the makers of our Exhibition Cap Classique on this project.