This one, Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé, was intended for sampling by Valentine's Day. Well, bubbles are still a good idea no matter what time of year it is. Bubbles every day for the rest of 2018! Go for it.
This South African bubbly hits the Pinot trifecta: 63% Pinot Noir, 35% Pinotage and 2% Pinot Meunier. Pinotage is South Africa's leading red wine grape. According to Wikipedia, it was bred there in 1925 by by Abraham Izak Perold. It's a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, which was known as "Hermitage" in South Africa back then. The sparkler is made in the méthode cap classique, which is basically how Champagne is made in France, with bottle fermentation.
Winemaker Johan Malan says 2015 was a warm vintage in which the grapes were picked about two weeks ahead of schedule. Alcohol is a low 12.1% abv and it sells online for about $25.
The wine bubbles up vigorously, but the festive nature disappears quickly. The nose is earthy, but fairly muted in that respect and in that of the red fruit. Palate-wise, the wine disappoints a bit. It does have a tasty, savory flavor and a nice shot of acidity, but I wanted a little more fruit expression. Maybe I should stop complaining and just enjoy what is a thoroughly drinkable, but slightly underwhelming bubbly.
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