Simonsig Wine Estate Pinotages great expressions

The Simonsig Redhill Pinotage 2019, one of two Simonsig Wine Estate Pinotages

A bit of background. Having been created in the 1920s by Abraham Perold, the first barrel of Pinotage was made in 1942 by CT de Waal. The very first red wine released by Frans Malan, late owner of the Simonsig Wine Estate, was a Pinotage released in 1970. Frans was one of the earliest Cape winemakers to take to the use of small French Oak Barrels. Today Frans’s sons, Francois, the Vineyardist and Johan, the Cellarmaster, honour their father’s legacy by producing the Pinotage in their cultivar Range and the Redhill in The Malan Family Selection range.

Frans Malan released his first Simonsig Pinotage in 1970

To help you with your choice for the celebration of National Pinotage day on October 8th, here are my assessments of the two Simonsig Pinotages

The Redhill Pinotage vines are grown in vineyards planted in decomposed shale, a soil type which not only retains moisture well, but also offers good drainage.

A generosity of Pinotage

In the glass the wine is a deep blood plum at the heart which pales out to ruby at the edges. The aromas are of red and black berry fruits and plums. There is an undertow of oak spice, vanilla, and a grind or two of white pepper. The palate has a lovely line of acidity running through form entry into the long and gently waning aftertaste. It abounds in delicious, sweet dark ripe berries and cherries, An impressive glass.

The Simonsig Pinotage 2018

9% of the wine spent a year in second and third fill French oak barrels which has the effect of softening the tannins and adding to the breadth of the palate. In the glass, a brilliant crimson ruby at the heart which pales out towards the edges. Packed with sweet ripe fruits, berries, and cherries with fraises des bois. Real vin de soif, a true quaffer. Do chill it lightly before service.

The Bailey Chateaubriand

Pair

Both of these wines are great sippers. Excellent as food partners, do chill them a bit before service. The Redhill well want a well-prepared dish like a Chateaubriand, the likes of which you will find on the menu at The Bailey in Bree Street in Cape Town.

Boerewors, equally delicious from Pan or the Braai

The Pinotage 2018 would be the perfect wine for that stick of biltong while watching rugby on television and cheering the Boks on. It also loves a piece of farmer’s sausage off the braai.

Simonsig Owners, Francois [vineyardist] & Johan [Cellarmaster] Malan