Simonsig brings first Roussanne to Cape Winemakers Guild Auction
Tuesday, 24 September, 2013
Simonsig
Simonsig Estate Cellarmaster Johan Malan has once again demonstrated his creative edge by bringing the first ever Roussanne, The Russety One 2012, to the 29th Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild (Annual) Auction this year.
The fragrant Simonsig The Russety One together with his richly flavoured Simonsig Heirloom Shiraz are included in the 2013 hotlist of 59 exclusive wines crafted by members of the Guild to be auctioned at Spier Estate in the Stellenbosch Winelands on Saturday, 5 October 2013,
Originally grown in the Rhône wine region in France, Roussanne is subtle and restrained in its youth, but has a great reputation for long ageing. Johan named The Russety One after the russet colour of the ripe Roussanne berries.
“Ever since I tasted a seven year old Rhone style white wine in California, I was intrigued by the refined mineral character of Roussanne and its special ability to mature. I just itched to try my hand at it! It is the most exciting new white variety I’ve worked with in years,” says Johan.
The Russety One 2012 displays fragrant citrus blossom and lemongrass aromas, given even more impact by a zesty limestone minerality. The palate is full bodied with a silky, viscous texture and a bright natural acidity, whilst delicious floral and apricot flavours with hints of honey will linger on the palate endlessly.
The perfect foil for this aromatic white, Johan’s second Guild auction wine, the Simonsig Heirloom Shiraz vintage 2011 is no newcomer to the auction. The wine made its first auction appearance in 1998 after a long journey that began in 1998 when Johan first enquired about the sought after SH 470 clone. After establishing the vineyard, it took a further four years before the Simonsig Heirloom Shiraz was born.
“My father used to say that you plant pears for your heirs, because a pear tree takes seven to eight years to bear fruit. Hence, I decided to name this wine the Heirloom Shiraz, because it took longer to make than growing pears!” explains Johan – one of the longest serving CWG members with a track record of 28 years.