Simonsig’s Heritage Cultivars Shine at International Mundus Vini Wine Competition

Simonsig Wine Estate from Stellenbosch saw two wines made from varieties on which the estate’s reputation was founded each win Gold at this year’s Mundus Vini Wine Competition held in Germany. Gold medals went to Simonsig’s Chenin Blanc 2017 and Redhill Pinotage 2015, both cultivars that have anchored the estate’s reputation for excellence over the years.

Besides its Gold medal, Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2017 was judged the best South African white wine on show.

Organised annually by the German publishing house Meininger, under patronage of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), Mundus Vini attracts thousands of entries from wine countries around the world and is recognised as one of the industry’s leading global competitions.

According to Simonsig cellar master Johan Malan, the awards are a tribute to the varieties on which Simonsig’s pedigree – going back to 1968 – is founded. “Chenin Blanc and Pinotage were among the first varieties my father Frans planted on Simonsig, so it really is a tribute to the Malan family’s wine-making heritage,” says Malan.

“Having our Chenin Blanc receive the extra recognition as best South African white on show is an extra feather to don, as this year we celebrated the 50th Chenin Blanc harvest on Simonsig. Even the first Cap Classique we made on Simonsig was from Chenin Blanc, so this and Pinotage have always been close to our hearts.”

Malan says that to have both a Chenin Blanc and a Pinotage receive a Gold medal from the Mundus Vini’s esteemed judging panel is an honour for Simonsig and acknowledgement to the diversity of wine grape varieties we are able to produce in Stellenbosch. “This has been the result of understanding our unique Stellenbosch terroir and planting varieties matching the extraordinary diverse sites so conducive to vineyard cultivation.”

Malan also says that wine awards are becoming increasingly important as barometers for the wine-drinking public.

“In South Africa alone there are over 7000 wine brands, and the average wine consumer literally does not know where to begin when looking for a wine,” he says.

“Competition results help the consumer by giving awarded wines a hallmark of proven quality, which assists the consumer in negotiating market clutter. So apart from honouring our wines and our cellar team, results such as those of Mundus Vini are important to us due to the role they play in underscoring our commitment to quality.”