Simonsig Wine Estate, Die Kluisenaar 2017

Simonsig The Grapesmith Die Kluisenaar 2019

Simonsig Wine Estate was founded by Frans and Liza Malan over 60 years ago. The late Frans was a real pioneered and innovator, a talent he has passed on to his sons, co-owners, Francois, the Vineyardist and Johan, Wine Director. Michael Malan is the first of the third generation and was appointed Cellarmaster from the current harvest.

Johan Malan, Simonsig Owner, checking the maturation progress in the French Oak Barrels

One of Johan’s current projects is a range called The Grapesmith. Today’s wine, Die Kluisenaar, is a blend of two Southern French grape varieties, Marsanne and Roussanne. Johan Malan says that these are grape types which mature well over a number of years.

Francois Malan Simonsig Owner and Vineyardist,
providing high quality grapes to his brother in the cellar

Johan adopted a slightly different approach to the fermentation and maturation of the wines. Both were fermented spontaneously in 225 litre and 400 litre barrels and lay on the lees for maturation with occasional lees stirring [batonnage in French] and no malolactic fermentation. The Roussanne had a ‘warm’ fermentation which allowed the formation of ‘abundant’ glycerol. Which of course makes such a difference to the mouthfeel of the wine.

The wines were blended and then prepared for bottling.

Good with Dalewood Fromage Chef’s Camembert, Watermelon Preserve & Biscotti