Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about the wines, where to find them, and the words we use in the cellar. Something missing? Get in touch.
What wines does IL GECO produce?
IL GECO currently produces three wines: a single-varietal Pinot Gris, a single-varietal Sangiovese, and a zero-dosage Cap Classique sparkling wine co-pressed from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Do you sell single bottles?
No. IL GECO wines are sold in cases of six. You can order a case of a single wine, or choose one of the mixed cases: Bubbly & White, Bubbly & Red, the Italian Mix, or the Taster case with two bottles of each wine.
Can I buy IL GECO wines online?
Yes. IL GECO wines ship within South Africa from the official online shop at ilgeco.co.za. You must be 18 years or older to purchase alcohol in South Africa.
Does IL GECO offer private wine tastings?
Yes. IL GECO offers private curated tastings at a venue of your choosing, and also caters to corporate events. Contact info@ilgeco.co.za to arrange a tasting.
Where are IL GECO wines grown?
Each wine comes from a different site. The Cap Classique is Wine of Origin Bottelary, Stellenbosch. The Pinot Gris is Wine of Origin Stellenbosch, from a block on the edge of the Bottelary ward toward Devon Valley. The Sangiovese is Wine of Origin Simonsberg-Paarl.
What does minimal intervention winemaking mean?
Minimal intervention winemaking means allowing the wine to express its site with as little manipulation as possible. At IL GECO that means fermenting with indigenous yeast, maturing in neutral oak to preserve varietal character, using no fining agents, and applying only light filtration. No enzymes or commercial additives are used.
What is indigenous yeast fermentation?
Indigenous yeast fermentation uses the wild yeast strains naturally present on grape skins and in the cellar, rather than commercially produced yeast. Fermentation starts spontaneously and typically proceeds more slowly, producing more complex flavour profiles unique to each vineyard.
What is Cap Classique and how does it differ from Champagne?
Cap Classique is South Africa's traditional method sparkling wine. It is made using the same traditional method as Champagne, bottle-fermented, but from South African grapes in South African cellars. Only sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France may be called Champagne. The IL GECO Cap Classique is made from co-pressed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the Bottelary ward, Stellenbosch.
What does zero dosage mean in sparkling wine?
Zero dosage, also called brut nature, means no sugar is added to the sparkling wine after disgorgement. The bottle is topped with the same wine instead of a sugar solution, so the wine finishes bone dry and shows its fruit and lees character without sweetening. The IL GECO Cap Classique is a zero-dosage wine.
Why is the Cap Classique called a late release?
It spent an unusually long time on the lees. Tirage took place in September 2019 and the wine was only disgorged in November 2024, more than five years later. That extended lees ageing builds the bready, creamy complexity and the fine beaded mousse.
What does IL GECO mean?
IL GECO means “the gecko” in Italian. Chosen for its remarkable ability to adapt and endure, the gecko is a symbol of resilience. It honours Domenico Sciocatti, who drew on that same resilience when he rebuilt his life in South Africa. His story is echoed in the vine, which adapts to its surroundings and, even in demanding conditions, produces fruit of remarkable character. In this way, IL GECO brings together Italian heritage, a South African story and wines that are proudly rooted here.
Who is the winemaker behind IL GECO?
IL GECO was founded in 2022 by South African winemaker Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt. She holds a WSET Diploma in Wines and a Postgraduate Diploma in Wine Business Management, and previously worked at Avondale Wine Estate and spent seven years as Cellar Master at Hazendal Wine Estate, with vintages in New Zealand, Australia and California. Read more on the About page.
Why are there crystals in my wine?
Small crystals in the bottle are natural tartrate crystals, a harmless by-product of minimal intervention winemaking. Because IL GECO wines are not fined and only lightly filtered, these crystals may occur, especially if the wine was kept chilled for an extended period. They do not affect the taste or quality of the wine.