Simonsig flagship red boasts royal lineage spanning two decades

Simonsig Tiara, proudly wearing the crown as Simonsig Estate’s flagship red wine for over 2 decades, has blossomed into an elegant mélange of five classic Bordeaux varieties since the wine was first bottled in 1990, representing the very best that the estate can produce in any one vintage.

With earlier vintages made traditionally of the typical Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot varieties, the current 2009 Simonsig Tiara represents a true Bordeaux-style wine with the introduction of a 5thcomponent, Malbec, into the blend. Petit Verdot was added into the blend for the first time in 1997.

“Our maiden Tiara 1991 vintage released in 1992 was an instant hit as Wine of the Year of the Wine of the Month Club. The wine has since established itself in the global vineyard with an impressive track record that speaks for itself,” says Simonsig cellarmaster Johan Malan.

Johan thrives on the challenge of working with five different grape varieties as they allow enormous scope for the winemaker to be creative with his blending skills – an art that Simonsig has mastered well and for which the estate enjoys considerable acclaim as one of South Africa’s leading Bordeaux-style blend producers.

“Great harmony, intensity and elegance are what we strive for when crafting our flagship red and there is no room for compromise on quality,” says Johan, the second generation Malan winemaker on this legendary family owned estate.

Driven by Cabernet Sauvignon (76%), Simonsig Tiara 2009 is a sensual yet substantial wine reminiscent of a deep red, textured Persian carpet. Its intense ripe black berry and cherry flavours with hints of cigar box, are enriched by whiffs of graphite adding depth and dimension to this full circle Bordeaux-style blend.

“The firm, oak matured tannin structure shows a fine grained quality and great potential for further ageing,” says Johan who considers the 2009 vintage outstanding, resulting in a superbly balanced blend of the five varieties, “creating harmony, finesse and long lasting flavours.”

Johan recommends Simonsig Tiara 2009 with robust beef and venison dishes. The wine sells at R175 at the cellar door and selected fine wine outlets countrywide.

Stepping back into its fruitful past it is clear that Simonsig has been a major pioneer in the South African wine industry. This pioneering spirit is still evident today in the range of distinctive Simonsig red wines, from the highly acclaimed Redhill Pinotage and the quintessential Cape Blend, Frans Malan Reserve, to the regal Merindol Syrah, named after the French origins of the Malan family coat of arms.