SIMONSIG STRIKES DOUBLE GOLD AT SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES AWARDS

Simonsig Estate, home of acclaimed flagship red wines, has excelled at the

2008 Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards, with two if its esteemed reds clinching gold medals.

Simonsig claimed recognition for the estate’s latest two red wine releases for this year, the famous Cape Blend, Frans Malan 2004 and the multi-prized Merindol Syrah 2004.

Headed by Robert Joseph, the founder of the prestigious International Wine Challenge in London, the Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards judge wines on international standards. The awards were launched six years ago to expose South African wines and winemakers to major local and international retail chains. This year’s judging panel included international judges Peter Koff from the USA, Ellen Zou from China and Chris Murphey from the UK as well as a selection of influential local wine buyers.

“We are thrilled to see that these two blue blooded reds are receiving the local and international recognition they deserve. Over the years, the Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards have played a major role in raising the bar of quality judging standards in our country, whilst supporting the industry in exposing our wines internationally,” said Simonsig winemaker Johan Malan.

In 2004, Simonsig wore the crown as South Africa’s top Shiraz producer with the Merindol Syrah 2001 winning the inaugural WINE Magazine Tops at Spar Shiraz Challenge.

The Simonsig Frans Malan has enjoyed considerable success internationally as a Cape Blend. The Pinotage-led 2004 vintage of this elegant tribute to the estate’s late founder and family patriarch scooped a Gold Best in Class medal at the authoritative 2007 International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. The 2003 vintage also wowed the international wine community with a gold medal at the 2007 MUNDUSvini International Wine Awards in Germany – dubbed the largest officially recognised wine competition in the world.

In addition to the two gold medals won at this year’s Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards, Simonsig scored a silver medal for its highly popular Brut Rosé 2006 and bronze status for its Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Chenin Avec Chêne 2006 and Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon 2007.

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