Simonsig Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre 2018
By Christian Eedes, 19 March 2020
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6
Nifty footwork.
Light red wines that can be served chilled are increasingly fashionable and Stellenbosch property Simonsig is very much on trend with its Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre, the 2018 a blend of 25% of the first variety, 30% of the second and 45% of the third.
Just under half the grapes were picked early and underwent carbonic maceration while 45% of the blend spent 12 months in old oak. Alcohol, meanwhile, is a modest 12.58%.
The nose has notes of pelargonium, pepper and smoked meat to go with red fruit while the palate shows pure fruity, zippy acidity and powdery tannins. Delicious and real bang for your buck at just R95 a bottle.
CE’s rating: 90/100.
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Kwispedoor | 19 March 2020
Hi, Christian.
As far as I know no regulatory law governs this issue, but usually the first cultivar to be mentioned represents the dominant variety in a blend. So, generally – unless one reverts to some research – most people would assume that this wine is Grenache dominated, with Mourvèdre playing the smallest part. I’m left wondering why Simonsig would go for a label that would mislead wine drinkers in this way. Do they perhaps think Grenache is more fashionable? Even so, it would be great if cultivars on all labels would appear in order from high to low percentage contributions.
Tim James | 19 March 2020
If the proportions are indeed as Christian gives them, Simonsig is flouting the law and it’s very surprising that SAWIS allowed the label to go ahead. See the official labelling guidelines:
“Where the cultivars in a blended wine is indicated each cultivar in the blend must have been made on a separate production sheet (W.O. Scheme) and an official blending must have taken place. Percentages need not be indicated, but the cultivars must appear in descending order according to volume.”
Christian Eedes | 19 March 2020
From Michael Malan of Simonsig: “The problem lies with the [fact sheet] info, which is wrong. Somewhere there must have been a communication gap between me and the marketing team.
The blend is Grenache (45%); Syrah (30%) and Mourvedre (25%).
Sorry for the mix up.”
Colin Harris | 19 March 2020
Christian SERIOUSLY? Pelargonium? What the F””! is that? Can you not just write a tasting note that anyone can understand and not have to Google. Talk about making wine unapproachable and elitist.
Tierseun | 19 March 2020
You make a fair point Colin. With over 200 species of Pelargonium out there you’re going to have to narrow it down a bit please Christiaan. The mere mention of Pelargonium elicits at least 30 different smells in my smell memory bank…
Christian Eedes | 19 March 2020
Hi Colin and Tierseun, Most descriptors in tasting notes are metaphor. Ever smelt a blackcurrant? It bears little relation to your average Cabernet Sauvignon and yet we all use it. For the record, I use “Pelargonium” for wines that show a floral aromatic, simultaneously fragrant and spicy…