Cuvée Royale, the Prestige Cuvée of Simonsig Estate, South Africa’s first Méthode Cap Classique producer, has triumphed as the best Blanc de Blancs at the 2012 Amorim Méthode Cap Classique Challenge for the second consecutive year, this time with the 2007 vintage.

Last year the Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2005 was the overall winner and best Blanc de Blancs in the 2011 Challenge.

“We have set the benchmark right from the start when my father, Frans Malan, created South Africa’s very first Cap Classique, Kaapse Vonkel, 41 years ago and we will continue to contribute towards the growing interest in Cap Classiques amongst producers as well as the public,” says Simonsig cellarmaster Johan Malan, who selects only the finest, most delicate Chardonnay cuvées, capable of long evolution to achieve the pinnacle of Cap Classique quality in the Cuvée Royale.

The winning Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2007 spent more than five years (66 months) on the lees allowing the Chardonnay time to develop its complexity, finesse and fine mousse. Simonsig Cuvée Royale is only made in exceptional vintages, a clear indication of the selective manner in which this prestigious Cap Classique is crafted.

“The essence of a true Cap Classique lies with the gentle whole bunch pressing of the grapes which yield only the purest and most delicate juice known as the cuvée. If the quality of a particular vintage does not meet our expectations, we simply do not produce a Prestige Cuvée that year,” says winemaker Hannes Meyer, tasked with making Simonsig’s Cap Classiques under the guidance of Johan Malan.

Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2007 captivates with an intriguing golden hue and a remarkably delicate pearly mousse rising to the surface emitting wonderful aromas of Granny Smith apples coated with roasted almonds. Secondary flavours of freshly baked bread intertwine with the crisp scents of lime blossom and citrus typical of Chardonnay. Fermentation of 90% of the base wine in French oak barrels lends rich complexity to this Cap Classique. The result is a sophisticated Prestige Cuvée which revives the palate with exquisite balance between the primary fruit and the complexity of slow evolution.

Enjoy this glorious Cap Classique on its own or with fresh, succulent oysters. It works well with most light, delicate foods especially linefish, shellfish and crayfish and stands up well to caviar and artichoke hearts. This Cuvée Royale is also a winner with fresh desserts such as fruit salad or sorbets.

Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2007 is available on special request from the cellar at R190 a bottle and will be released later this year.