EXTRAORDINARY SIMONSIG CHENIN BLANC PINOTAGE BLEND EXCLUSIVE TO WOOLWORTHS

Simonsig has launched a unique new blend of red and white grape varietals – their first Chenin Blanc Pinotage available exclusively at Woolworths. Both these varietals are definitive cultivars for which this pioneering Stellenbosch wine estate enjoys world-acclaim.

“Chenin Blanc and Pinotage are the two cultivars that are globally regarded as typical or unique to South Africa. Fortunately for us they are also two of our top performers with both our Chenin Blanc and Pinotage garnering impressive accolades from some of the world’s finest critics,” shares Simonsig cellar master Johan Malan.

Driven by Chenin blanc (60%), the youthful Simonsig Chenin Blanc Pinotage 2009, was made exclusively for Woolworths with a proudly South African philosophy in mind.

“We are delighted to have this ‘homegrown’ collaboration of Simonsig’s finest, exclusive to our wine shelves. As pioneers of their respective industries, Simonsig and Woolworths have much in common in their quest for excellence,” says Allan Mullins, Woolworths Wine Consultant and Cape Wine Master.

The Simonsig Chenin Blanc Pinotage 2009 exudes a fresh berry flavour and tropical zest on the nose. Despite its fruit-forward flavours, the perfect synergy between acidity and smoothness make for a lively, crisp white that is greatly enjoyable, and supported by the distinctive quality synonymous with Simonsig.

Allan recommends that this wine to be served slightly chilled as an aperitif or enjoyed with al fresco meals and Mediterranean pastas or with grilled chicken and roast vegetables. This wine can be enjoyed now, but will age well for a further two years.

Chenin blanc was the first wine released by Simonsig founder and family patriarch Frans Malan in 1968. After more than four decades, it still accounts for the largest percentage of total wine production at this esteemed Winelands landmark.

The estate’s easy-drinking, reputable repertoire of Chenin blancs earned Simonsig the coveted Platter’s Superquaffer of the Year award for the last two consecutive years. Simonsig also excelled at the 2009 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show with its more sophisticated, richly wooded Woolworths Limited Release Chenin Blanc 2008, winning the Trophy for the Best Chenin Blanc and the Best White Wine Overall.                                                                               

The red counterpart, Pinotage, adds refined finesse and harmony to this refreshing white wine. Simonsig holds an admirable track record of producing outstanding Pinotage since 1970, when it was released as the Estate’s first red wine cultivar. The renowned Redhill Pinotage is a regular stalwart of the closely contested ABSA Top Ten Pinotage Competition with no less than four top ten titles in the last five years.

The Simonsig Chenin Blanc Pinotage 2009 retails at R45 per bottle at selected Woolworths stores countrywide (available from 28 September 2009).

For more information on Simonsig contact Tel: (021) 888 4915 or visit www.simonsig.co.za.