SIMONSIG ESTATE EXCELS AT SYRAH DU MONDE 2010 – SHIRAZ WORLD TASTING

Golden glory for the iconic, single vineyard Merindol Syrah 2007 in France

Simonsig Estate has been recognised as one of South Africa’s top Shiraz producers at the 2010 Syrah du Monde in France by clinching a gold medal for the highly acclaimed single vineyard Merindol Syrah 2007.

The latest release of Simonsig’s flagship impression of this Rhône varietal, is one of eight South African Shiraz wines to have been awarded a gold medal at this year’s contest. The 2010 Syrah du Monde brought together 387 wines from 27 countries with a mere 39 contenders overall earning gold status for their distinctive quality. This annual competition remains faithful to its judging principles of diversity, quality and high standards and has distinguished itself from other wine awards due to its international flavour and rigorous methods.

“It is rewarding to be acknowledged as one of the country’s top ambassadors of this red wine variety and the results show that South African Shiraz can hold its own with the best in the world. Syrah du Monde plays a huge role in raising the bar of quality judging standards, whilst supporting the industry in exposing our wines internationally,” says Simonsig cellarmaster Johan Malan. 

The superior quality of the Merindol Syrah can be attributed to meticulous care in the vineyards and Simonsig’s quintessential terroir situated a little further inland with colder night temperatures. The grapes for the Merindol Syrah 2007 were exclusively handpicked from a select, 14 year old vineyard block aptly named ‘Rooigrond’ owing to the colour of the deep red Hutton soil of weathered granite origin – the most sought after soils for growing premium red wine.

Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2007 not only holds a strong sense of place, but also comes from an impressive lineage. The 2001 vintage was crowned as South Africa’s top Shiraz at the inaugural WINE Magazine TOPS at SPAR Shiraz Challenge in 2004.

The Merindol Syrah 2002 clinched gold at the 2004 International Wine and Spirits Competition in London and at the Fairbairn Capital Trophy Wine Awards in the same year. The 2004 vintage scored a gold medal at the Swiss International Air Lines Awards and at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2008 whilst the 2005 vintage secured  4 ½ stars in the 2008 Platter Guide – South Africa’s most definitive wine directory.

The oak matured Merindol Syrah 2007 has earned its place in the Simonsig family of celebrated wines as a full-bodied red with good underlying acidity and an intense taste profile. Balanced oak spices linger on the palate while the silky smooth texture of the integrated tannins insures a polished finish.

An explosion of aromatics, black cherry, white pepper and an exotic vanilla oak spiciness complements its vibrant Persian carpet red colour with elegant fynbos gracefully intertwined with succulent berry flavours.

The Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2007 is the perfect accompaniment to venison, ostrich fillet and seared yellow fin tuna and has a cellaring potential of up to ten years.