A Brief History of Simonsig Family Winery:
The Malan family's winemaking dates back to 1688 when the first Malan arrived in South Africa. As a French Huguenot, he was given land at the Cape of Good Hope by the Dutch to plant new vineyards. Soon thereafter, he moved to the Stellenbosch region, which quickly became famous for the quality of its grapes.
In 1953 one of his descendants, Frans Malan, planted vineyards on De Hoop, in the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain outside Stellenbosch. Endowed with quintessential terroir, this farm subsequently became the nucleus of the Simonsig Wine Estate. 1968 saw the introduction of his first wines, sold under the Simonsig Estate label - literally translated meaning Simon's View - named after the spectacular views of the Simonsberg Mountain.
The late Frans Malan, was not only a craftsman of superior wines, but introduced numerous Simonsig 'firsts' leaving an indelible legacy in the Cape Winelands. His groundbreaking innovations include the country's first Chardonnay and Rhine Riesling, meticulously bottles by hand and personally labeled by his wife Liza.
Simonsig's first red wine followed in 1970, which today continues to raise the benchmark for South African Pinotage.
Frans also produced South Africa's first Methode Cap Classique, Kaapse Vonkel (Cape Sparkle) - bottle fermented sparkling wine made in the style of French champagne, more than 30 years ago.
In addition, he was instrumental in starting the famous Stellenbosch Wine Route which has, since 1971, introduced numerous local cellars to wine lovers from all over the world. Today it is the third larges tourist attraction of the Western Cape and a true testament of his pioneering foresight and contribution towards elevating the South African wine industry to world-class standards. Acknowledging his innovation and inspiration, Frans was named South African WInemaker of the Year in 1977.
In 1983, Frans' three sons - Pieter, Francois and Johan - formed a unique partnership to manage the fast-growing Simonsig Wine Estate, with 60 percent of the production exported to more the 35 countries. Equipped with progressive winemaking skills and a proud heritage , producing superior wine is still a family tradition as the new generation competes in the global wine market.
Today, Simonsig vineyards comprise 211 hectares producing an extensive range of formidable red, white and sparkling wines. Pioneers in wine excellence, the estate is acknowledged as one of the most reputable private wine producers in South Aftica.
Simonsig enjoys an impressive record of prestigious local and international awards. The estate was voted top wine producer by no less than three South African wine competitions and bears numerous accolades, including South Africa's Top Shiraz and Woman Winemaker of the Year.
Simonsig Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 |
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| With a deep garnet red color, this wine has sweet black cherry... More Details |
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Simonsig Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 |
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| Succulent sweet blackberry fruit layered with ripe plums... More Details |
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Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2008 |
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| The full-bodied wine has a star-bright yellow color, with a vibrant green tinge... More Details |
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Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2009 |
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| The full-bodied wine has a bright golden straw color, with aromas of ripe pear and honey... More Details |
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Simonsig Frans Malan Reserve 2004 |
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| An intensely deep "Persian carpet" red color... More Details |
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Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel Brut Rose 2007 |
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| A full-flavored dry wine with a delightful... More Details |
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Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2004 |
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| Simonsig's much-honored Merindol Syrah (a name taken from the Malan Family Coat of Arms) is a premium quality, oak-matured Syrah... More Details |
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Simonsig Pinotage 2006 |
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| Dark Persian carpet red color that starts to open up at the center... More Details |
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Simonsig Pinotage 2007 |
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| Dark Persian carpet red color that starts to open up at the center... More Details |
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Simonsig Redhill Pinotage 2007 |
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| Dense, opaque, with a black center and a youthful, cerise rim... More Details |
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Simonsig Sauvignon Blanc 2007 |
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| The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc has a bright, youthful color with green tinges... More Details |
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Simonsig Sauvignon Blanc 2009 |
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| A bright, youthful color with green tinges. Aromatic tropical fruit aromas initially... More Details |
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Simonsig Tiara 2000 |
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| The flagship wine of Simonsig, this Bordeaux-style red blend's overall impression is elegant, with lots of hidden flavor that will emerge with further maturation. More Details |
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