With #DrinkChenin Day around the corner, I’d like to share this news about Simonsig Wine Estate’s recently released The Langbult Steen with you;
Simonsig Wine Estate has ushered in a new area for Chenin Blanc with the unveiling of The Langbult Steen Chenin Blanc 2022 – their first wine to gain Old Vine status.
This award-winning barrel-fermented Chenin Blanc, formerly known as Simonsig Chenin Avec Chêne, is a single vineyard Chenin Blanc that has been renamed and given a refreshed look to commemorate this historic milestone in the wine’s evolution.
Staying true to terroir, it takes its name from the vineyard site tended to by three generations of the Malan family.
“Langbult translates to ‘long hill’ and literally describes the vineyard’s layout,” says Michael Malan, Simonsig cellarmaster and third-generation winemaker. “The vines grow there in ancient, weathered shale soils and are robust and resilient. Time has made it one with the elements, and all of this is gloriously expressed through the fruit.”
Michael describes the wine as having complex aromas of orange blossom, melon and dried apricot complemented by a hint of ginger spice. It has a complex palate with tangy acidity that carries the flavours of white pear, lime and green apple. The wine has a beautiful minerality, but not without a light creamy texture from the lees contact in barrel.
This highly lauded wine has repeatedly impressed judges at leading wine shows in South Africa and abroad. Among its top achievements, the Chenin Blanc from the Langbult Steen vineyard received 91 points from UK Master of Wine Tim Atkin, 4½ stars from Platter’s South African Wine Guide, Double Gold from the Veritas Awards as well as being one of the winners in the prestigious Standard Bank Chenin Blanc Top 10 Challenge.
This wine is a testament to decades of hands-on experience, an intimate understanding of the land, and a long history with Chenin Blanc. This year marks the estate’s 55th consecutive vintage with this iconic cultivar. In fact, the first wine ever to be bottled under the Simonsig label by founder Frans Malan in 1968 was a Chenin Blanc – known and labelled as “Steen” at the time.
This wine is the result of the perfect balance between place, passion and heritage. An intimate knowledge of this remarkable terroir and artisanal winemaking philosophy are embodied as the true spirit of Stellenbosch Steen.
The Langbult Steen old vine Chenin Blanc sells for R235/bottle through Simonsig’s online shop and cellar door. The wine is also available at specialised wine retailers and select restaurants.
To learn more about this fine wine visit www.simonsig.co.za/langbultsteen/ and join the conversation at @SimonsigWines on Facebook and
