GOLDEN GLORY FOR SIMONSIG CAPE BLEND IN EUROPE

Frans Malan Reserve wins gold at two leading international competitions

Reputable Stellenbosch wine estate, Simonsig, strengthened the international appeal of the uniquely South African Cape Blend style of wine by striking gold for its renowned Frans Malan Reserve at two prestigious international competitions, all in one month.

The 2004 vintage of this stylish tribute to the late founder and visionary patriarch of the Malan family of Simonsig, scooped a Gold Best in Class medal at the authoritative 2007International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. This was one of eight medals awarded to Simonsig, setting a new record for the estate with medals for each of its wines entered in this year’s competition.

This accolade follows on the Frans Malan Reserve’s recent success in Germany, where the 2003 vintage walked off with a golden glow at the 2007 MUNDUSvini International Wine Awards – dubbed the largest officially recognised wine competition in the world. Simonsig Frans Malan Reserve was one of only two Cape blends to be ranked amongst the 23 South African wines that scored gold medals at this annual competition which saw an increased total of 4 925 entries from 35 countries this year.

In addition, Simonsig Frans Malan 2003 scored 4 stars in the recent Premium Select Wine Challenge of Selection magazine, a popular quarterly wine and gourmet magazine in Germany.   

“It’s so rewarding to see that my dad’s pioneering spirit lives on with great international success. What started out as a mould-breaking experiment with Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon for the Cape Winemakers Guild way back in 1991, has since evolved into one of the ‘blue blood’ reds of our ultra-premium range,” says Simonsig co-owner and winemaker, Johan Malan.            

Simonsig Frans Malan Reserve, an explosive contribution of the outstanding qualities of Pinotage, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, impressed equally with esteemed awards and listings, both in South Africa and abroad, in 2006.

Described in the latest Platter Guide as a ‘multi-gonged, vigorous and age worthy Cape Blend’, the 2003 vintage scored Double Gold at last year’s Veritas awards, continuing the blend’s enviable track record of 4 Double Gold and 5 Gold Medals spanning some ten years. 

“Resembling the multi-layered talents of my belated father, Frans Malan Reserve is an elegant yet bold, full-bodied red blend. Enchanting plum Pinotage flavours at the fore, are enhanced by the supple blackberry character of Cabernet whilst the touch of Merlot adds softness with finesse,” describes Johan.

The additional Simonsig medals clinched at the 2007 International Wine & Spirit Competition included a gold for the estate’s eloquent flagship white wine, Chenin Avec Chêne 2005 – a limited release, richly wooded Chenin blanc.

South Africa’s first Méthode Cap Classique, Kaapse Vonkel (2003), the noble late harvest Vin de Liza 2006 and Simonsig’s elegant flagship Bordeaux blend, Tiara 2000, scored Silver Best in Class with the Redhill Pinotage 2005 winning a silver medal. Bronze status was awarded to the Merindol Syrah 2003 and Simonsig Cabernet Sauvignon 2003.

Simonsig Frans Malan 2003 is available from R115 per bottle at fine wine outlets countrywide or directly from the cellar.

The 2004 vintage is due for release in 2008.

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