Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt
Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt is a distinguished South African winemaker and the founder of Il Geco Wines,an artisanal label celebrated for its precision, restraint, purity of fruit, and elegant expression. As a career winemaker with deep Italian-South African roots, her wines reflect resilience, heritage, and minimalist philosophy. Il Geco produces limited-release wines that convey terroir through focus on natural fermentation and low-intervention crafting.
Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt
Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt is a distinguished South African winemaker and the founder of Il Geco Wines,an artisanal label celebrated for its precision, restraint, purity of fruit, and elegant expression. As a career winemaker with deep Italian-South African roots, her wines reflect resilience, heritage, and minimalist philosophy. Il Geco produces limited-release wines that convey terroir through focus on natural fermentation and low-intervention crafting.
Educational Background and Early Career
Background:
Clarise is descended from Italian silk farming ancestors who settled in South Africa in the 19th century and adapted to life in the Knysna forests. She draws on that heritage and natural resilience to name her brand Il Geco ("The Gecko"), a symbol of adaptability and quiet strength.
In terms of personality, she describes herself as reserved but resilient, deeply in love with nature, wine, family and conversation, a philosophy that guides her approach to winemaking.
Education:
Clarise earned a degree in Cellar Technology from Elsenburg Agricultural College. She then trained extensively through internships at prestigious South African estates such as Vilafonté and Avondale, along with international placements, including Château Montelena in Napa Valley.
Professional Experience
Background:
Clarise is descended from Italian silk farming ancestors who settled in South Africa in the 19th century and adapted to life in the Knysna forests. She draws on that heritage and natural resilience to name her brand Il Geco ("The Gecko"), a symbol of adaptability and quiet strength.
In terms of personality, she describes herself as reserved but resilient, deeply in love with nature, wine, family and conversation, a philosophy that guides her approach to winemaking.
Education:
Clarise earned a degree in Cellar Technology from Elsenburg Agricultural College. She then trained extensively through internships at prestigious South African estates such as Vilafonté and Avondale, along with international placements, including Château Montelena in Napa Valley.Winemaker at Hazendal, Bottelary region, her primary salaried role until 2022.
Founder of Il Geco Wines, launched as a personal project in 2014 while still working full-time. The label remained low-profile until she fully committed in 2022, focusing on Cap Classique, Pinot Gris, Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc under Il Geco's minimalist banner.
Career Highlights and Recognition
Maiden release: Il Geco's first Cap Classique vintage was produced in 2014 and released around 2021 after 7 years on the lees. Only ~400 bottles were made, and the 2017 vintage received a gold medal at the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge.
Critical acclaim: The Cap Classique (2014 and 2015) earned 90/100 from Christian Eedes; later releases, including Pinot Gris and Sangiovese, have been praised by critics and enthusiasts.
Distinctive identity: The emphasis on clarity, heritage, and minimal intervention has helped Il Geco carve out a niche as expressive and refined.
Notable Wines & Tasting Notes
Cap Classique 2014 & 2015: 2014: Chardonnay-Pinot Noir blend from Tulbagh, aged 7 years on lees, approximately 400 bottles, rated 90/100—notes of raspberry, yeasty brioche, toasted hazelnut, fine mousse, savory finish. 2015 Extra Dry: Slightly higher residual sugar (17g/L), chalky acidity, citrus, peach and biscuit aromas—also scored 90/100, small-batch production (≈450 bottles). Pinot Gris 2022 & 2023: 2022: Elegant, dry style—bright lemon-peach-almond aromas with salty minerality and long finish. Natural fermentation, whole bunch pressing, 12 months on lees in old 500L oak, minimal filtration. Described as "pure and sunny and bright and elegant". 2023: More concentrated and intense—notes of white peach, lemongrass, citrus, almond, balanced phenolic grip and creamy acidity, showcasing Stellenbosch's sandy terroir, treated simply and naturally. Sangiovese 2022: 100% Sangiovese from Simonsberg-Paarl. Cherry cola and red plum aromas, tomato peel and herbal spice on the palate, fine powdery tannins and bright acidity. Naturally fermented, aged 12 months in large old oak, no fining and minimal filtration. A hearty yet ripe example rooted in Italian tradition and South African terroir. Sauvignon Blanc (“Fumé Blanc” style): Crisp, mineral-driven with citrus blossom, elderflower, lime, pea and green pepper. Fermented in neutral oak barrels, aged nine months on the lees—elegant, textured and reminiscent of Sancerre, but infused with the local Bottelary Hills character.Awards and Recognition
Gold Medal for Il Geco Cap Classique 2017 at the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge. Consistent 90/100 ratings for early Cap Classique vintages by Christian Eedes. High praise from Cape wine reviewers such as Cape of Good Wine and Inside Guide for Pinot Gris, Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc as expressive and refined wines that stand out in boutique craft production. DipWSET Level 4 Diploma Graduate (2024): Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt was among the graduating cohort celebrated for professional excellence in South Africa’s wine education system.Contestant Summary
Clarise's ethos focuses on minimal intervention, natural yeast fermentation, limited barrel influence and the purity of fruit expression. She believes that wine should be accessible and uncomplicated, yet refined and reflective of its terroir. Her focus on small-scale production and patient ageing emphasises a belief in discipline, heritage-rooted identity and a deep connection to landscape and lineage.
