Klein Roosboom has given life to a flagship Cap Classique range that represents a new milestone for this boutique family winery. Comprising two limited-release wines – a brut and brut rosé – the newcomers have spent more than four years in the making. Together, they represent the culmination of a long-held dream born at the very beginning of this winery in the Durbanville Wine Valley.
Winemaking at Klein Roosboom started in 2007 with matriarch Karin de Villiers, who had one goal in mind – to make her own champagne. Now, more than a decade and a half later, the family has added the My Way apex collection of sparkling wines to the broader portfolio that includes Marné Brut Cap Classique.
The wines were conceived as a reflection of their provenance, proximity to the ocean and the passion of the De Villiers Family, which has grown Klein Roosboom from humble beginnings.
“This is a very special occasion for us,” says Karin. “Our wines have traditionally been named after family members. The My Way range was however named in tribute to my father, who loved that song made famous by Frank Sinatra.
“To us, we like to think of it as making wine our way, for wine lovers to enjoy their way.”
Success has followed as a result. The new flagship 2019 My Way Brut Nature and 2019 My Way Brut Rosé have already achieved pre-release recognition at two leading shows. Platter’s South African wine guide awarded four stars to the My Way Brut Rosè, and four and a half stars to the My Way Brut Nature. Both wines received Gold at the 2022 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards and the Rosé, Gold at the Rosé Wine and Spirit Challenge.
The combination of cool, ocean breezes and fertile soils create the ideal terroir for making outstanding wine and especially Cap Classique at Klein Roosboom. Grapes for the latter were harvested early morning to preserve their flavours. In their making, both wines spent 12 months developing flavour on the lees in a tank and a further 27 months of lees contact while maturing in bottle.
The resulting zero-dosage My Way Brut Nature 2019 is a wine rich and fresh on the nose with notes of lemon curd, roasted nuts and caramel popcorn. On the palate, it is crisp and linear, developing a silky-smoothness with well-balanced acidity that draws out subtle notes of nectarines.
The My Way Brut Rosé 2019 shows the colour of a golden sunset. On the nose there are fresh notes of nuts, raspberries, and pomegranates. The palate entry is well-rounded with medium acidity, and a blueberry finish.
The decision to make two bubblies worthy of bearing the My Way label began in 2019, says Karin. They would need packaging worthy of the journey, so a special bottle was imported, and renowned designer and illustrator Hannes Koegelenberg contracted.
Hannes combined antique illustrations with classic elements and letter types to create an elegant and timeless design. Several subtle inclusions reflect the Klein Roosboom story. “The use of cherubs frolicking with wine barrels and flowers lends a playful perspective,” he says.
“Altogether, the design reflects the Old World charm and contemporary passion that really sums up what Klein Roosboom is all about.”
Only 2 890 bottles of the 2019 My Way Brut Nature and 1 350 bottles of the 2019 My Way Brut Rosé have been produced. They are priced at R327/bottle.
Other wines of the My Way range include a Sauvignon Blanc from 35-year-old bush vines, a barrel selection red blend and a Petit Verdot. All are available directly from the winery’s online store at https://kleinroosboom.co.za/shop/. The store offers free shipping for orders over R2000.
Klein Roosboom is situated off Tygerberg Valley Road, just minutes from Cape Town CBD. It is renowned for its wines as well as a destination for Jéan Restaurant, the farm’s unique wine tasting caves and a variety of other family-friendly experiences.
The wine tasting room is open from Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00. Jéan Restaurant is open on the same days, but from 09:00 – 16:00.
