Simonsig Chenin Avec Chêne 2012

Name: Simonsig Chenin Avec Chêne 2012
Brand: Simonsig
SKU: 36497

Bright pale gold colour with limpid appearance in the glass. Inviting citrus blossoms, toasty oak and honey aromas combine perfectly with the spicy cinnamon sugar expressions on the nose. An array of caramelised baked apple and ripe pear flavours with hints of dried apricots persistently run all the way to the finish. The hallmark zesty acidity of Chenin blanc keeps the wine fresh and finely balanced to finish with a classic mineral note.

This is a true gastronomic wine and works wonderfully with most foods from sushi to piquant ripe creamy cheeses such as Epoisse or Dalewood Winelands Camembert. Do not over chill – serve at 14 – 16°C.

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variety : Chenin Blanc [ 100% Chenin Blanc ]

winery : Simonsig Family Vineyards

winemaker : Johan Malan

wine of origin : Stellenbosch

analysis : alc : 13.99 % vol rs : 3.8 g/l pH : 3.27 ta : 5.9 g/l

type : White style : Dry body : Full wooded

pack : Bottle size : 750ml closure : Cork

AWARDS

2012
2014 Concours Mondial De Bruxelles: Gold Medal
2014 Veritas: Gold Medal
91 Points Wine Advocate - November 2013
2010
2014 Wine of the Month Club Awards: The Reserve Club
2014 Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10: Winner
2013 Wine of the Month Club Awards: Best Chenin Blanc
2013 20th Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Silver Medal
2013 Platter’s Guide: 4 Stars
2012 Veritas Awards : Gold medal
2009
93 Points Wine Advocate - May 2012
2011 Platter’s Guide: 4 stars
Wine Magazine 2010 Chenin blanc Challenge: Top 12
Wine Magazine: 4 stars in February 2011 issue
2008
2010 Chenin Blanc Challenge - 4.5 stars
Winemakers Choice International Awards - Diamond Award
2007
2009 Platter's Guide - 4 stars

ageing : At its best within 3 – 4 years of vintage date.

Heritage
Simonsig Chenin Blanc was the first wine released by founder Frans Malan in 1968. The experience of more than four decades of working with Chenin blanc resulted in this lightly wooded version. We realised that Chenin blanc grown on weathered shale gives the most intense perfumed fruit. Gently handled oak enhances the depth of flavour without obscuring the delicious fruitiness. The name of this wine means "Chenin with oak.

in the vineyard : The 2012 vintage will be remembered as a very dry year with the lowest rainfall logged in our records since 1976, 33% below the long term average. While yields were slightly lower that in 2011, cooler conditions resulted in better quality and more concentrated fruit. The 2012 harvest started a little later than usual on 18 January and ended 87 days later on 13 April. The Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2012 is livelier and fresher than the previous two vintages as grapes were harvested earlier to achieve lower alcohol levels.

about the harvest: Grapes from our oldest Chenin blanc vineyard (1986) were picked early in March at 25°Balling and were left overnight on the skins.

in the cellar : Barrel fermented took place in 400 litre French oak using cultured yeast. Battonage was done to enhance mouthfeel while malolactic fermentation was avoided. Extra care was taken to respect the Chenin blanc fruit and only 8% of the wine was matured in new barrel.

Wood Maturation: 11 months oaking. 8% New wood, the balance 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill.

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