2 bottles of sparkling wine: Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel 2008 Kaapse Vonkel is the official term in South Africa for a sparkling wine made in the Traditional or Champagne Method. Simonsig’s has a fine bready nose with a creamy mousse. Lively floral and citrus aromas, it is a dry sparkler with bright acidity, soft richness together with yeasty notes on the palate. A classic blend of Pinot Noir 49%, Chardonnay 45% and Pinot Meunier 6% givesa great celebratory aperitif or try it with a seafood barbecue!
2 bottles of white wine: Simonsig Sunbird Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Greeny yellow in colour with green pepper and hints of asparagus on the nose. Dry with bright acidity and good minerality on the palate completed by a voluptuous tropical finish. Enjoy this wine on its own or with seafood, poultry and pasta dishes.
2 bottles of white wine: Simonsig Chardonnay 2009 Apple, lime and lemon with a hint of spicy oak on the nose. Dry, full bodied with toasty, creamy oak on the palate balanced by good acidity with a touch of minerality. Ideal with fish and poultry cooked in cream and wine sauces, as well as strong, soft cheeses like Camembert.
2 bottles of red wine: Simonsig Pinotage 2007 From South Africa’s signature grape variety, this red has youthful cherry crimson in colour with plums and raspberries on the nose. A full bodied wine with earthy berry fruits, balanced with fine tannins and a gentle dry finish. Enjoy with seared tuna, mild curries and casseroles, especially South African bobotie. 2 bottles of red wine: Simonsig Cabernet/Merlot 2009 Vibrant ruby colour. Lovely flavours of summer red berry fruits with the subtle wood together with a hint of chocolate. Silky soft tannins create a smooth finish for this easy drinking wine. Will go well with beef Carpaccio, meaty pasta dishes as well as barbecued steak.
2 bottles of red wine: Simonsig The SMV 2008 Dense violet red in colour. This vibrant red from Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Viognier grapes shows vanilla, cinnamon and coffee on the nose, and is dry with structured tannins and mulberry red fruits on the palate. Enjoy with risotto, especially made with wild mushrooms and lightly spiced dishes.
A couple of months ago in London I was delighted to catch up with Pieter Malan, one of the family who runs Simonsig Estate. Our meeting also gave me the opportunity to taste some of the great wines they produce, which haven’t been available much in the UK since they parted company with their English importer a few years ago. Some of you may remember that Pieter hosted a Simonsig wine dinner in Billericay a few years ago.
Simonsig was founded in the 17th Century by Jacques Malan, a Huguenot who had fled France, and is still run by the same family with great skill and pride. They own 210 hectares at the foothills of the Simonsberg mountains in Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s best and most beautiful wine regions. The growing conditions are excellent as the climate, though hot, is influenced by breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, and 75% of rain falls in the winter.
If you would like more information about Simonsig do have a look at their comprehensive website.
