Most will know Simonsig as the pioneers of South Africa’s first Cap Classique in 1971, but Pinotage has always been at the heart of our story. In 2025, along with the centenary, we celebrate 55 years since releasing our first Pinotage in 1970. To mark this milestone, second-generation Johan Malan sat down with his son, third-generation winemaker and current cellarmaster, Michael Malan, to reflect on the family’s journey with this uniquely South African grape.
Michael: How did Pinotage first become part of Simonsig’s story?
Johan: In 1964, your grandfather, Frans Malan, purchased a second farm and had to replant the entire property. Pinotage was still relatively unknown, but a wine from Bellevue down the road had just won Champion Wine at the National Wine Show, sparking interest in the variety. By 1966, he had planted our first Pinotage vines – a bold move at the time.
Michael: What do you recall about that first release?
Johan: Our very first red wine was a Pinotage, with a striking red label and “PINOTAGE” in bold white letters. It was quite uniquely matured in second-fill French oak barriques sourced from First Growth estates in Bordeaux, which was something unheard of in South Africa back then. This gave the wine a depth and complexity unusual for Pinotage at the time.
Michael and Johan Malan in conversation
Michael: How did you put your own stamp on Simonsig Pinotage?
Johan: I moved away from the early cooler fermentations, opting for warmer fermentations to better reveal Pinotage’s true character. Though your grandfather was initially cautious, he agreed the results spoke for themselves. In 1989, grapes from old bush vines at Kriekbult impressed me so much that I aged the wine in new French oak. This became the Pinotage Reserve, later named Best South African Red Wine at the IWSC in London. In 1991, we were also among the first to blend Pinotage with international varieties, creating my 1992 CWG auction wine from Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
Michael: Pinotage is now used in so many of our wines. Was that always the plan?
Johan: Not initially, but its versatility became clear over time. Today, it’s the golden thread in our portfolio – from Pick of the Bunch Pinotage (originally Simonsig Pinotage) to Frans Malan Cape Blend (since 1994) and Redhill Pinotage (since 1997). And as you know, you’ll find it in our rosés: Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé and Satin Nectar Rosé (since 2004 and 2017), and Needless to Say Rosé (since 2023). The Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rosé itself was born from a 2004 Pinot Noir shortage, leading us to try a Pinotage-led blend – so well received it became a tradition.
Michael: After 55 years, how would you sum up Simonsig’s relationship with Pinotage?
Johan: It’s a relationship built on passion and mutual respect for the grape’s character. More than anything, Pinotage has shaped who we are as a winery. I’m excited to see where the journey goes next and what you will bring to it. As I often say, we didn’t choose Pinotage; Pinotage chose us.
In honour of the centenary celebrations, we have also done a father-and-son video series (with Johan & Michael Malan) to bring you behind the scenes at Simonsig, sharing personal memories, winemaking insights, and the passion that has shaped 55 years of Pinotage at Simonsig.