Ratings
JS 90 · JS 92 · TA 92.
Identity
| Producer | Simonsig Estate |
| Year | 2023 |
| Vol | 0.75 |
| Grapes | 100% Pinotage |
| Color | Red |
| Sweetness | Dry |
Tasting
| Color Desc | Youthful ruby red color. |
| Aroma | Aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, cassis, blueberries, red berries, vanilla, sweet spice, cedarwood, dark chocolate, mocha, licorice, and subtle oak spice. |
| Palate | Medium to full-bodied with firm tannins, silky smooth texture, good fruit with soft character and delicate texture, juicy and playful, balanced acidity, harmonious structure with notes of cherry, plum, raspberry, paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, and smoke. |
| Finish | Fresh, elegant finish with clear fruit and subtle woody tones, long blooming finish with some earthy notes dancing among fruit, herb and spice. |
| Food Pairing | barbecue, smoked meat, rack of baby back ribs, hearty pasta dishes, game dishes |
| Serving Temp | 16-18°C (typical for red Pinotage) |
| Aging Potential | Drink now through 2031. |
Profile
Acidity (1-5)
AVERAGE
Body (1-5)
HIGHER THAN AVERAGE
Aroma (1-5)
HIGH
Astringency (1-5)
LOWER THAN AVERAGE
Minerality (1-5)
LOW
Enology
| ABV % | 14.5 |
| Total Acidity | 5.8 |
| Sugar (g/l) | 2.00 |
| pH | 3.5 |
| Aging Process | Maturation in new oak barrels (Redhill Pinotage uses many new oak barrels). |
| Fermentation | Clean vinification with modern cellar technology. |
Terroir
| weathered shale soils (for best Pinotage). |
Interesting facts
| Simonsig was the first to produce Cap Classique in 1971; Pinotage is a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault created in 1925 at Stellenbosch University; Simonsig's best Pinotage is grown on weathered shale soils. |