SIMONSIG
Chenin Blanc 2020
100% Chenin Blanc
RSD 1,380
AWARDS
Double Gold Medal - San Francisco Int'l Wine Competition, 2019 (for 2018 Vintage)
Gold Medal - Mundus Vini 2019 (for 2019 Vintage)
Bronze Medal - IWSC 2019 (for 2018 Vintage)
WINEMAKING
Grapes are handpicked, crushed and some lots are given overnight skin contact. Juice is cold settled to brilliant clarity and inoculated with selected yeast strains, well known for producing very fruity wines. Fermentation temperature is kept between 12-14°C to ensure a nice slow fermentation and optimal fruit flavour production. No oak treatment in this wine.
TASTING NOTES
The wine displays a bright straw colour with a green tinge. An expressive nose of tropical and stone fruits make for a grand entrance. Layers of tropical fruits on the palate with bursts of pear, melon and passion fruit. A delicate touch of lemon is beautifully complimented by refreshing acidity. The Chenin blanc 2020 is a true expression of Simonsig terroir. Beetroot and citrus salad with goat’s cheese, steamed mussels with a garlic cream sauce, whole chicken on the fire with root vegetables and, if all else fails, just on its own for pure enjoyment. Serve between 10-12°C.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Alcohol: %13.57
Total Acidity: 5.70 g/l
Residual sugar: 3.50 g/l
pH: 3.29
SIMONSIG
Redhill Pinotage 2019
100% Pinotage
RSD 4,560
AWARDS
Gold Medal - Veritas 2022 (for 2019 Vintage)
TOP 10 Pinotage in South Africa - ABSA (for 2019 Vintage)
Gold Medal - Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards (for 2019 Vintage)
VINEYARD
Redhill Pinotage is made from a vineyard grown on the famous Redhills of Simonsig Estate. The red soil originates from decomposed weathered shale and is regarded to be the best soil for growing premium red wine. This is due to the excellent moisture retention capacity and good drainage.
VINTAGE
One of the major influences on the 2019 harvest was the preceding winter which saw 70% more rainfall than the previous year - one recognised as among the driest in the history of the Cape Winelands. An unexpected warm spell in June 2018 saw temperatures rising to above 30°C, pushing the vineyards to uneven, budding, and patchy ripening as the berries gained sugar and colour. The uneven ripening posed a real challenge for the harvest teams. The Pinotage vineyards performed well under the cool, dry conditions of the start of 2019.
WINEMAKING
Hand harvested at optimal ripeness on the 5th of February 2019. After meticulous sorting in the vineyard the grapes are destemmed and crushed to two open top fermenters. A total of 14% of the grapes were fermented as whole clusters. Two days cold soaking before inoculation. Manual punch downs every two hours gives a short, but intensive extraction. Fermentation temperature peaked at 30°C. Pressed after 6 days on the skins, where alcoholic fermentation finished in the tank. Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel. 19 months oaking. 70% new French Oak and 30% second fill.
TASTING NOTES
The wine has a dark red colour that catches the eye. Beautiful violet floral notes are the first aromas that you pick up which is followed by layers of white pepper with a light oak toast. Bright berry fruits of cranberry, tangy red cherry and fresh strawberries wash over the palate and right in the centre it has a dark fruit core. It is a finely detailed wine with a lingering acidity that makes it an elegant wine. Pairs well with Cape Malay Bobotie, pork belly, oven roasted rack of lamb, stuffed aubergines, or grilled mushroom sosaties (skewers). Wine will age a further 10 years after vintage.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Alcohol: %14.6
Total Acidity: 5.0 g/l
pH: 3.62
Residual sugar: 2.3 g/l