Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2023
Overview
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This vibrant wine displays a brilliant straw color, with a green tinge. It starts with expressive tropical fruit aromas, ranging from melon, passion fruit and pear, to fresh lime. On the well-structured palate, the fruit mixes with refreshing acidity that is prominent through the wine’s long, satisfying finish. |
Wine Facts
VITICULTURE: A cold, but dry winter in 2022 was followed by a lengthy dry spell during spring and into the start of summer. Well-timed December rains brought much-needed relief for the vineyards of the Cape and played an important role in fruit set and energizing the vines for the coming weeks before harvest. It was the earliest start to harvest in living memory at Simonsig, with the first grapes arriving at the cellar on January 11th. Throughout harvest, the temperatures remained temperate.
VINIFICATION: The grapes were handpicked, crushed and some lots given overnight skin contact. The juice was cold settled to a brilliant clarity and inoculated with selected yeast strains that are well- known for producing fruity wines. Fermentation temperature are kept between 12-14°C to ensure a slow fermentation and optimal fruit flavor production. After vinification, the wine is bottled and ready for consumption.
INTERESTING FACT: Simonsig Chenin Blanc was the first wine released by founder Frans Malan in 1968.
FAMILY: Named after the majestic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, Simonsig Wine Estate is situated in the famous Stellenbosch wine region just east of Cape Town. Founded in 1971 on true Cape hospitality and strong family values, Simonsig is now helmed by the 3rd generation of the Malan family. The late Frans Malan, a pioneer of the South African wine industry and superior wine craftsperson, cemented the estate’s legacy in South African wine history. He produced the first bottle of the much-loved, groundbreaking Kaapse Vonkel sparkling wine, South Africaʼs first Méthode Cap Classique made in the traditional method. He is also honored for co-founding the thriving Stellenbosch Wine Route, the first of its kind in the country. Today, his wine heritage lives on through his sons, Francois and Johan, and his grandchildren, Francois-Jacques, Christelle and Michael.
Producer: Simonsig
Region: Stellenbosch
Country: South Africa
Wine Composition: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol: 13.6 %
Total Acidity: 6.8 G/L
Residual Sugar: 1.8 G/L
pH: 3.3
VINIFICATION: The grapes were handpicked, crushed and some lots given overnight skin contact. The juice was cold settled to a brilliant clarity and inoculated with selected yeast strains that are well- known for producing fruity wines. Fermentation temperature are kept between 12-14°C to ensure a slow fermentation and optimal fruit flavor production. After vinification, the wine is bottled and ready for consumption.
INTERESTING FACT: Simonsig Chenin Blanc was the first wine released by founder Frans Malan in 1968.
FAMILY: Named after the majestic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, Simonsig Wine Estate is situated in the famous Stellenbosch wine region just east of Cape Town. Founded in 1971 on true Cape hospitality and strong family values, Simonsig is now helmed by the 3rd generation of the Malan family. The late Frans Malan, a pioneer of the South African wine industry and superior wine craftsperson, cemented the estate’s legacy in South African wine history. He produced the first bottle of the much-loved, groundbreaking Kaapse Vonkel sparkling wine, South Africaʼs first Méthode Cap Classique made in the traditional method. He is also honored for co-founding the thriving Stellenbosch Wine Route, the first of its kind in the country. Today, his wine heritage lives on through his sons, Francois and Johan, and his grandchildren, Francois-Jacques, Christelle and Michael.
Producer: Simonsig
Region: Stellenbosch
Country: South Africa
Wine Composition: 100% Chenin Blanc
Alcohol: 13.6 %
Total Acidity: 6.8 G/L
Residual Sugar: 1.8 G/L
pH: 3.3
Press Highlights
2023: 90 Pts - James Suckling, Nov 20232019: 97 Pts 'Double Gold' - San Francisco Int'l Wine Competition
2017: 91 Pts - James Suckling, Jun 2018
2016: 90 Pts - James Suckling, Aug 2017
2012: 'Silver Medal' - Los Angeles International Wine Competition
2012: 'Today's Wine Pick' - Wine Spectator Online, Sept 2013
2011: 90 Pts - Wine Advocate #204, Dec 2012
2011: 88 Pts 'Best Buy' - Wine Enthusiast, Mar 2012
2009: 88 Pts 'Best Buy' - Wine Enthusiast, Mar 2011
2008: 85 Pts - Wine Enthusiast, Nov 2009
2007: 86 Pts 'Best Buy' - Wine Enthusiast, Jun 2008
2007: Superquaffer of the Year! - John Platter, 2008
2006: 86 Pts - Wine Spectator, Mar 2007