Simonsig Estate in South Africa
photo credit: Simonsig

Today Simonsig is producing a wide variety of wines including: a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, red blends, white wines and sparkling wines. The winemaker is Debbie Thompson.

Redhill 2015
photo credit: Simonsig

For an April tasting using Youtube, my favorite was the Redhill Pinotage 2015 that was 14.1% alcohol. Upon pulling the cork and before pouring the wine into the stemware, there was an immediate intense aroma. This dark ruby to black color wine had a ruby rim. The aroma included notes of black fruit, vanilla with a hint of violets. The tasted included black raspberry, plum, vanilla, violet and cloves. The Redhill Pinotage was a full-bodied wine and had medium tannins. The finish was fruity yielding to baking spices on the long aftertaste.

Simonsig was named for its views of the Simonsberg Mountains. Simonsig has been producing wines under its own brand for 50 years. The Malan family has been living in South Africa since 1688. Today it is the second and third generation family members Francois, Johan and Francois-Jacques who are carrying on the legacy of Frans Malan who established Simonsig in 1968. Frans is also renowned for producing the first South African Méthode Cap Classique, a sparkling wine. Frans also co-founded the Stellenbosch Wine Route. 

The winery also has a restaurant, Cuvée, that is opened for limited days and hours for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When planning your visit, check the hours on the Simonsig website.

Visiting:

Cellar tours: Monday thru Saturday
Wine tastings: Every day

Eventually, we hope to travel to South Africa and visit and write more about Simonsig and other wineries.

Cheers!
Kathy