Simonsig
Langbult Steen Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023
| Denomination | N/A |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.62% by volume |
| Area | South Africa (South Africa) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chenin Blanc |
| Aging | Ageing for 12 months on the fine lees (primary lees) with regular bâtonnage during the first few months |
- Origin and style: Dry still white wine from a single vineyard located in Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Old vines: Chenin grapes from vines planted in 1987 on ancient weathered schist soils
- Winemaking: Spontaneous fermentation in French oak barrels (12% new oak)
- Tasting: Notes of citrus, flowers, green apple and plum jam; lemon finish
- Pairings: Excellent with grilled fish, white meats and soft cheeses (14-16°C)
Description
What type of wine it is
Simonsig's Langbult Steen Old Vine Chenin Blanc is a still white wine with an elegant profile, fermented in oak barrels and aged on the fine lees, an authentic expression of the Stellenbosch region. In the glass, it displays a bright straw-yellow colour with greenish highlights, while on the nose, Chenin Blanc expresses a defined bouquet of citrus fruits, orchard flowers, green apple and plum jam. The palate is distinguished by a lively acidity capable of balancing the slight residual sugar, offering clear fruity aromas ideal for accompanying grilled fish and creamy soft cheeses.
Where it comes from
This white wine originates from the Langbult single vineyard, situated on a gently north-east facing hill within Stellenbosch. The plants enjoy a microclimate protected from the winds and are located at an altitude of between one hundred and one hundred and fifty metres. Rooted in a soil of ancient weathered schists, these historic vines, certified as agricultural heritage, transfer a unique character to the wine. The interaction between the vineyard's advanced age and the nature of the soil ensures consistent ripening, giving the wine impeccable aromatic precision.
How it is produced
Simonsig schedules the harvest in four ripening stages, vinifying the grapes separately to achieve a harmonious final blend. Most of the bunches undergo whole-bunch pressing, while the later harvest undergoes a brief skin maceration to encourage extraction. Spontaneous fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts inside French oak barrels, including some new barrels. This is followed by twelve months of ageing on the primary lees, with regular bâtonnage in the initial phase, essential for enriching the texture and stability of the wine.
History and interesting facts
The Langbult Steen Old Vine Chenin Blanc originates from the prestigious Langbult single vineyard, a picturesque "long hill" located in Stellenbosch. Planted in 1987 on ancient shale soils, these historic vines now boast the rare heritage status certification. To enhance the authenticity of the South African terroir, which is sheltered from the winds, the Simonsig winery selects the grapes by harvesting them at four different stages of ripeness, thereby creating a wine of extraordinary vibrancy.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
14 -16 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
These elements are intertwined in this family-owned farm, where the late Frans Malan produced the first bottle of our much-loved Kaapse Vonkel, South Africaʼs first Méthode Cap Classique made in the classic bottle-fermented style. He is also honoured for co-founding the thriving Stellenbosch Wine Route, a first in its time. Today, his legacy lives on through his sons, Francois and Johan, and grandchildren Francois-Jacques, Christelle and Michael, the 2nd and 3rd Malan generations at Simonsig Wine Estate. Read more
| Name | Simonsig Langbult Steen Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023 |
|---|---|
| Type | White still dry |
| Denomination | N/A |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.62% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chenin Blanc |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | South Africa |
| Vendor | Simonsig |
| Story | History and interesting facts The Langbult Steen Old Vine Chenin Blanc originates from the prestigious Langbult single vineyard, a picturesque "long hill" located in Stellenbosch. Planted in 1987 on ancient shale soils, these historic vines now boast the rare heritage status certification. To enhance the authenticity of the South African terroir, which is sheltered from the winds, the Simonsig winery selects the grapes by harvesting them at four different stages of ripeness, thereby creating a wine of extraordinary vibrancy. |
| Origin | Stellenbosch, South Africa |
| Soil composition | Ancient and weathered schist soils |
| Production technique | Spontaneous fermentation (indigenous yeasts) in French oak barriques; whole-bunch pressing; skin maceration for 6–8 hours; ageing on fine lees with bâtonnage |
| Wine making | Spontaneous fermentation (indigenous yeasts) in French oak barriques (predominantly 300 and 400 L; approximately 12% new wood). Grapes harvested at four different levels of ripeness and vinified separately; whole-bunch pressing; the final, riper harvest was crushed and left on the skins for 6–8 hours to increase aromatic extraction. Ageing for 12 months on fine lees with regular bâtonnage during the first months. |
| Aging | Ageing for 12 months on the fine lees (primary lees) with regular bâtonnage during the first few months |
| Total acidity | 5.9 gr/L |
| PH | 3.32 |
| Residual sugar | 3.0 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |