SIMONSIG CHENIN BLANC 2006 PINNACLE OF FRUIT-FORWARD FINESSE

Simonsig Estate, home of intensely fruity Chenin blanc wines, has launched their 2006 vintage of this versatile white variety, showcasing yet another sterling performance of both nature and human intervention.

Chenin blanc was the first wine released by Simonsig’s late founder Frans Malan in 1968 and without compromising consistency in wine excellence after 33 vintages, the popularity of Simonsig Chenin Blanc remains unsurpassed.

The idyllic maritime influenced terroir of the Simonsig vineyards, situated northwest of Stellenbosch in the greater Simonsberg area, imparts the intense aromatic fruitiness and full-bodied structure of full ripe Chenin blanc to this exquisite, mouth-filling wine.

“Due to mild summer weather the grapes were slow to reach optimal ripeness but our patience in the vineyards paid off with superior quality and fresh fruit appeal for our biggest selling wine,” says Simonsig Estate Chief Winemaker Johan Malan.

Speaking from proficient experience in expressing the versatility of this classic white wine, Johan rates the 2006 as one of their finest vintages in years with the warm dry conditions especially conducive to Chenin blanc.

With its predecessors, Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2003 singled out as one of the 15 best international Chenin blancs at the Rendez-vous du Chenin 2004; the 2004 voted Best Value wine by Wine Spectator magazine (US), and the 2005 amongst the top three South African Chenin blancs in the 2005 Spring Selection of the Wine 500 Club, expectations are high for this newcomer from a superb vintage for this particular varietal.

Simonsig is not only reaching new levels of popularity for its great value Chenin Blanc amongst local wine lovers, as recently confirmed by leading Wine & Spirits Magazine (US), which featured Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2005 as the Top South African Value Brand for 2006 – the only South African winery mentioned.                                                       
 more…
Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2006 two and last…/

The eminently enjoyable Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2006 flaunts a bright golden straw hue with a nose displaying flamboyant floral aromas of tangy pear and crushed apple enriched with hints of wild honey. The abundance of fresh sun-ripened tropical fruit on the palate intertwined with crisp classic mineral notes evokes a lingering richness on the aftertaste.

“The honeyed ripeness of late harvested Chenin blanc grapes is beautifully complemented by the flowery tropical fruit in its youth,” adds Johan.

The wine has an alcohol content of 14,3% with residual sugar of 6.1 g/l, a total acidity of 5.8 g/l and a pH of 3.4.

The Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2006 lends itself to an early and easy drinking style of wine as it reaches optimum complexity and finesse within two years of the vintage date.

Bursting with crisp, fruit-driven flavours, this lively wine stands up well to bold curries and spicy Thai cuisine. It is quintessentially the chosen accompaniment for seafood dishes such as mussels, shellfish and Kabeljou or simply sip on a chilled glass of Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2006, while relaxing at the pool.

The Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2006 retails from R22 and is available at Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, Midmar and other leading wine outlets. For further information contact Simonsig at Tel: (021) 888 4915 or visit the website: www.simonsig.co.za.