SIMONSIG WOOLWORTHS LIMITED RELEASE CHENIN BLANC 2008 WINS OLD MUTUAL TROPHY FOR BEST WHITE WINE

Eloquent wooded Chenin Blanc tops white wine list at 2009 showdown

Simonsig Estate soared as the overall best white wine producer at the 2009 Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show taking top honours at this year’s challenge with its richly wooded Woolworths Limited Release Chenin Blanc.

The 2008 vintage of this eloquent Chenin Blanc won the Trophy for the Best Chenin Blanc as well as the Old Mutual Trophy for the Best White Wine Overall.

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

Stepping up a sophisticated notch from Simonsig’s easy-drinking, reputable repertoire of Chenins – which have earned the estate the coveted Platter’s Superquaffer of the Year award for the last two consecutive years – the well-rounded Woolworths gem has achieved impressive ratings since the launch of the maiden release in 2008.

“Simonsig has always wanted to produce a more serious, wooded Chenin blanc, which garners respect in its own right at the dinner table, not only serving as a delicious accompaniment. Although not meant as a big-volume part of the range, Simonsig Woolworths Limited Release brings added depth and complexity to our white wine line-up,” says Simonsig cellar master Johan Malan.  

The 2008 vintage was fermented in 400-litre French oak and barrel matured for a further 11 months, which contributed a subtle spiciness to the wine. The stirring of the lees was practiced early on which added to the depth of flavor and encouraged a delicious viscous mouthfeel

“The seamless wood integration adds sublime complexity to the wine, without overpowering its natural, fresh fruit appeal. A distinct mineral character leaves a clean finish and balances the slight sweetness, or which I refer to as the ‘sunkissed’ taste of the wine,” adds Johan.

The wine flaunts an attractive bright golden straw hue with a nose displaying luscious aromas of baked apple and pear with a sultry whiff of honey and spiced oak. An abundance of sun-ripened Chenin flavours are complemented by an elegantly rounded palate, zesty acidity and a fresh dry finish.

Johan recommends his wine to be served slightly chilled as an aperitif or enjoyed with decadent gourmet cheeses such as Epoisse or Wineland Camembert. It is best enjoyed within three to four years of vintage date.

The Simonsig Woolworths Limited Release Chenin Blanc 2008 retails at R84.95 per bottle at selected Woolworths outlets.

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