SIMONSIG CUVÉE ROYALE SPARKLES AS TOP MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE

Cap Classique Trophy winner at 2009 Santam Classic Wine Awards

Simonsig, South Africa’s first Méthode Cap Classique producer, has taken top honours at the prestigious 2009 Santam Classic Wine Trophy Awards as the winner of the Sparkling Wine Trophy for its flagship Cuvée Royale.

One of only four trophy winners and the only Cap Classique winner at these annual awards, the 2003 Simonsig Cuvée Royale is the latest vintage to be released by this acclaimed Stellenbosch wine estate. Made from only the finest and most delicate Chardonnay (85%) and Pinot noir (15%) cuvées, this French inspired Cuvée Royale spent five years on the lees to develop its complexity and fine mousse.

Now in its 11^th year, the Santam Classic Wine Trophy Awards, judged exclusively by French judges who are all prominent wine personalities from around the world, is held in partnership with the authoritative French publication, La Revue du Vin de France. The competition grants one overall winner, three quality, value-for-money GQ Awards, four trophies and a total of 13 gold medals only, which reinforces its commitment to the highest standards of South African wines.

The poised Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2003 was recognised for its sheer elegance, balance, finesse and capacity to improve over time. Its predecessor stems from the 1999 vintage which highlights the selective manner in which this prestigious Cap Classique is crafted and released by the pioneers of South Africa’s first bottle fermented sparkling wine, Kaapse Vonkel, back in 1971.

“The heart of a true Cap Classique lies with the gentle whole bunch pressing of the grapes which yields only the purest and most delicate juice known as the cuvée. For our Cuvée Royale only the first most delicate pressing is used. If the quality of a specific vintage does not meet our expectations, we simply do not produce this sparkler that year,” says winemaker Van Zyl du Toit who heads Simonsig’s sparkling wine team under the guidance of Cellarmaster Johan Malan.                                                         

The sophisticated yet delightfully refreshing Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2003 captivates with a pale golden hue and a remarkably fine pearly mousse dancing to the surface. Roasted almonds, buttery brioche and ripe yellow apple aromas dominate the nose. The base wine underwent tank fermentation with part of the Chardonnay (34%) fermented in seasoned French oak barrels lending complexity and a subtle oak toastiness.

The elegant citrus aromas of the Chardonnay shows gorgeous finesse and a classic lingering mineral freshness on the finish resulting in a remarkably dry Cap Classique with exquisite balance between the primary fruit and the complexity of slow evolution.

After maturing in the Simonsig cellar for more than five years, this prestige cuvée has now reached optimum maturity and can be enjoyed right away on its own or with delicate morsels. Try the Simonsig Cuvée Royale 2003 with fish, crayfish, fresh oysters, caviar or artichoke hearts. It is also the perfect sip with fresh dessert such as fruit salad or sorbets.

This select Simonsig Cap Classique retails from around R125 per bottle and is available at the cellar or leading wine outlets and restaurants countrywide. For more information or wine orders contact Simonsig Estate on Tel: (021) 888 4915 or visit www.simonsig.co.za.