Simonsig Frans Malan Cape Blend Reserve 2022

In the glass, this Cape Blend presents a dark, plumb hue, hinting at the richness to follow. On the nose, a generous bouquet unfolds with blackberry, dark cherry and ripe plum, interwoven with sweet-spiced aromas reminiscent of baked cherry pie, vanilla bean, and a dusting of dark chocolate. The entry is rich and powerful, immediately asserting its presence with depth and complexity. A core of ripe black fruit dominates the mid-palate, supported by tight, balancing acidity that lends precision and lift. The tannins are velvety and seamless, framing the fruit without overshadowing it. Subtle old-world savoury undertones, with hints of cured meat and leather add intrigue and sophistication. Despite its boldness, the wine transitions with grace to an elegant wine with a lingering and harmonious finish.

For a superb dining experience, pair this wine with dishes like dukkha-crusted beef, pork belly, springbok espetada, duck, or ostrich steak. It is best enjoyed in a large glass to allow it to breathe fully and served at around 18°C to enhance its flavours and aromas

variety : Pinotage [ 62% Pinotage, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot ]
winemaker : Johan Malan
wine of origin : Stellenbosch
analysis : alc : 14.16 % vol  rs : 2.8 g/l  pH : 3.43  ta : 5.6 g/l  
type : Red  style : Dry  body : Full  taste : Fruity   wooded vegetarian
pack : Bottle  size : 750ml  closure : Cork  

ageing : Anticipated peak maturity is whithin 5 to 8 years, yet its elegance and fruit intensity make it equally enjoyable when consumed now.


The acclaimed Cape Blend, that had its maiden vintage in 1991, pays tribute to Frans Malan, visionary patriarch and founder of Simonsig, now thriving into its third generation of the Malan family. Much like the man himself, this wine embodies boldness and a pioneering flair. A showcase of Stellenbosh's remarkable terroir and our winemaker's artistry, this blend presents a harmonious fusion of nature and expertise.

in the vineyard : The Pinotage vineyard is situated on shallow Malmesbury shale soils with a north-facing aspect, perfect for premium Pinotage. This site gives the wonderful perfumed fruit that gives the Frans Malan its character. The Cabernet vineyards used for this wine are planted in weathered granite soils high in clay and iron content giving wines with depth of fruit and structure. The Merlot is planted high up on the slopes of Simonsig on a cooler site that extends the ripening period of the grapes, leading to smooth, textured and flavourful wines.

In 2021, ample winter rainfall and optimal soil water levels set the stage for grapevines. A late and extended winter led to a delayed season, with consistently cool conditions in Stellenbosch during spring and early summer. Precise vineyard management was crucial due to occasional rainfall, preventing fungal diseases. Despite this, signs of a promising harvest emerged with abundant flowering bunches. December and January's favourable cool weather facilitated gradual ripening and flavour concentration. Warm, dry conditions from late January to February hastened ripening, yielding smaller bunches with intensified flavours

about the harvest: All grapes were hand-picked at optimum ripeness with mericulous sorting done in the vineyards and at the cellar.

in the cellar : All the different batches had a two-day cold maceration before fermentation commenced. The Pinotage spent a total of six days on the skins before pressing, with regular punch-downs occurring after inoculation. The Cabernet Sauvignon spent a total of 15 days on the skins. Pump-overs were done 2-4 times a day during fermentation. Similarly, the Merlot fermentation lasted 13 days on the skins, with regular punch-downs. Subsequently, malolactic fermentation took place in barrel. The wine then matured for 18 months in 500 L barrels, 100% French oak, utilising 30% new barrels alongside 54% second-fill and 16% third-fill barrels

find our wines in :