Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2011
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Chenin Blanc forms the perfect introduction to South African Chenin at a bargain basement price. It has a crisp nose of fresh Nashi pear and chalk dust. The palate is nicely balanced with tangerine and apricot tinged fruit that leads to a delicate finish with well-judged acidity and hints of peach on the finish. This is straight to the points, no frills, delicious Chenin.
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The Simonsig vineyard lies Northwest of Stellenbosch and is privately owned by the Malan family. It produces some of the finest red and white wines as well as a sparkling wine made by the Cap Classique Methode – the local Champenoise. The Stellenbosch region is recognized as the best wine producing area in South Africa and lies 45 kilometres east of Cape Town.
The first Malan who came to South Africa in 1688 was a French Huguenot. At the Cape of Good Hope, then under Dutch rule, he was given land to plant new vineyards. He subsequently settled near Stellenbosch which became famous for its quality wines. It is still known as the champion wine region of South Africa.
The Simonsig Estate vineyard stretches out over 211 hectares around the northern side of Stellenbosch at the foot of the Simons mountain. It is generally acknowledged as the largest private producer of estate wines in South Africa.
Simonsig produces numerous varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinotage.
Unquestionably one of the most diverse grape varieties, Chenin Blanc can do it all. It shines in every style from bone dry to unctuously sweet, oaked or unoaked, still or sparkling and even as the base for fortified wines and spirits. Perhaps Chenin Blanc’s greatest asset is its ever-present acidity, maintained even under warm growing conditions. Somm Secret—Landing in South Africa in the mid 1800s, today the country has double the acreage of Chenin Blanc planted compared to France. There is also a new wave of dedicated producers committed to restoring old Chenin vines.
With an important wine renaissance in full swing, impressive red and white bargains abound in South Africa. The country has a particularly long and rich history with winemaking, especially considering its status as part of the “New World.” In the mid-17th century, the lusciously sweet dessert wines of Constantia were highly prized by the European aristocracy. Since then, the South African wine industry has experienced some setbacks due to the phylloxera infestation of the late 1800s and political difficulties throughout the following century.
Today, however, South Africa is increasingly responsible for high-demand, high-quality wines—a blessing to put the country back on the international wine map. Wine production is mainly situated around Cape Town, where the climate is generally warm to hot. But the Benguela Current from Antarctica provides brisk ocean breezes necessary for steady ripening of grapes. Similarly, cooler, high-elevation vineyard sites throughout South Africa offer similar, favorable growing conditions.
South Africa’s wine zones are divided into region, then smaller districts and finally wards, but the country’s wine styles are differentiated more by grape variety than by region. Pinotage, a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault, is the country’s “signature” grape, responsible for red-fruit-driven, spicy, earthy reds. When Pinotage is blended with other red varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah or Pinot Noir (all commonly vinified alone as well), it is often labeled as a “Cape Blend.” Chenin Blanc (locally known as “Steen”) dominates white wine production, with Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc following close behind.