Il Geco Cap Classique new releases

Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt of Il Geco.

Winemaker Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt started making Cap Classique for “own consumption” while still at Eaglevlei (she’s now at Stellenbosch property Hazendal) but subsequently realised that this was an expensive indulgence and has now decided to make the product of her labours commercially available, the Il Geco 2014 and 2015 both disgorged in April of this year.

Il Geco Cap Classique Brut 2014
Price: R600
Approximately equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Tulbagh. Fermented in older 400-litre barrels. The nose shows raspberry, red apple, some yeasty complexity and a little earthiness while the plate is rich with moderate acidity and a soft mousse, the finish gently savoury. Well balanced and nicely nuanced. Total production: 400 bottles.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

Il Geco Cap Classique Extra Dry 2015
Price: R600
Winemaking as above but here the residual sugar is 17g/l compared to 8g/l in the case of the 2014. Charming aromatics of citrus, peach, yellow apple, biscuit and maybe a hint of spice. The palate is again rich with a creamy mousse and nicely integrated acidity – the extra sweetness is noticeable but not overpowering. Total production: 450 bottles.

CE’s rating: 90/100.

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