Wine Article
2016 Simonsig Chenin Blanc Chenin avec Chêne
Last edited on 7/23/2019 by LindsayM
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CHENIN AVEC CHÊNE
Region Stellenbosch
Style of Wine
Full bodied Chenin blanc matured in wood
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 resulted in this new wine We realised that Chenin 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 means "Chenin with oak".
Vintage Description
It was a challenging, early, and very dry harvest. Water supplies had a great impact on the 2016 harvest, especially where vineyards were not buffered against the heat . However the dry conditions led to the vineyards and grapes being very healthy overall. Most other regions, especially the Swartland, produced significant smaller crops, but at Simonsig Estate we produced 2% more than 2015.
The Chenin Blanc grapes were in pristine condition. It was quite a challenge picking the various blocks on time before the sugar levels sky rocketed. We were able to produce beautiful blocks with an abundance of fruit and depth
Vinification:
Grape were all handpicked and well sorted from our oldest Chenin Blanc vineyard (1986). Juice was inoculated with a selected yeast culture and fermentation started in a stainless steel tank and fermented at about 12°C. When the juice reached a balling of about 5 it was transferred to 400 L French oak barrels (3rd and 4th fill) to complete fermentation. The wine spent a total of 11 months in barrel and no Malolactic fermentation took place.
Wood Maturation
11 Months oaking. 7% French Oak 3rd and 4th fill barrels.
Wine Description
Bright pale golden colour.
On the nose the wine shows fresh floral and honey notes with hints of gooseberries and toasty oak aromas.
The palate is filled with layers of dried fruit flavours.
The wine has a zesty fresh acidity that adds to the freshness, resulting in a long lingering aftertaste
Cellaring Potential At its best within 3 - 4 years of vintage date.
Serving Suggestions This is a true gastronomic wine and works wonderfully with sushi to piquant ripe creamy cheeses like Epoisse or Dalewood Winelands Camembert. Do not overchill serve at 14 16°C.
Analysis
All 13.4% RS 3.2g/l Total acidity 6.2g/l pH 3.4
Region Stellenbosch
Style of Wine
Full bodied Chenin blanc matured in wood
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 resulted in this new wine We realised that Chenin 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 means "Chenin with oak".
Vintage Description
It was a challenging, early, and very dry harvest. Water supplies had a great impact on the 2016 harvest, especially where vineyards were not buffered against the heat . However the dry conditions led to the vineyards and grapes being very healthy overall. Most other regions, especially the Swartland, produced significant smaller crops, but at Simonsig Estate we produced 2% more than 2015.
The Chenin Blanc grapes were in pristine condition. It was quite a challenge picking the various blocks on time before the sugar levels sky rocketed. We were able to produce beautiful blocks with an abundance of fruit and depth
Vinification:
Grape were all handpicked and well sorted from our oldest Chenin Blanc vineyard (1986). Juice was inoculated with a selected yeast culture and fermentation started in a stainless steel tank and fermented at about 12°C. When the juice reached a balling of about 5 it was transferred to 400 L French oak barrels (3rd and 4th fill) to complete fermentation. The wine spent a total of 11 months in barrel and no Malolactic fermentation took place.
Wood Maturation
11 Months oaking. 7% French Oak 3rd and 4th fill barrels.
Wine Description
Bright pale golden colour.
On the nose the wine shows fresh floral and honey notes with hints of gooseberries and toasty oak aromas.
The palate is filled with layers of dried fruit flavours.
The wine has a zesty fresh acidity that adds to the freshness, resulting in a long lingering aftertaste
Cellaring Potential At its best within 3 - 4 years of vintage date.
Serving Suggestions This is a true gastronomic wine and works wonderfully with sushi to piquant ripe creamy cheeses like Epoisse or Dalewood Winelands Camembert. Do not overchill serve at 14 16°C.
Analysis
All 13.4% RS 3.2g/l Total acidity 6.2g/l pH 3.4