no account? click here.
already a member?
sign in
The War Horse Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2011
" Sensational, explosively refreshing and cleansing Chenin by tip-top producer Simonsig, it's perfect to quaff on its own and has the vibrancy and freshness to be enjoyed with fish dishes and salads... a very versatile white and winner of John Platter's 'Best Quaffing White Wine of South Africa' in previous vintages. "
goes well with... Fish & Shellfish, Canapés & Salads
White
Save £10.32 a case
Light & Crisp
Wine Type... White WineVintage... 2011Style... Crisp, Dry WhitesCountry... South AfricaRegion... StellenboschGrower Name... SimonsigGrape Variety... Chenin BlancABV... 14%Closure... Screw Cap
What's in a name? The story of 'The War Horse'...
During the Anglo-Boer war, 1899 to 1902, horses were imported to Cape Town from India and Argentina by the then British colony to assist their war effort.
Due to their arduous journey, the horses first had to recuperate and acclimatise before they were sent to the front. This horse convalescent farm, known as the Koelenhof Remount Camp, was situated on the farms Koelenhof, Nooitgedacht and Geluksoord just north of Stellenbosch. Once suitably recovered, the horses were driven to the town and sent north by train from the Stellenbosch station.
Some 100 years later, this very land is the source of The War Horse Chenin Blanc vines. The terroir and cool Stellenbosch climate provide the perfect conditions to produce this fine Chenin Blanc with its aromas of sun-ripened apples and pears. Tactile, subtle sweet dried apricots and honey are perfectly balanced by an elegant mineral finish.
Tom Cannavan (Wine pages) Wine of the Week
Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted wine grape in South Africa, though historically it was not used to produce high quality table wines. But a few pioneers have started to take the grape much more seriously, reducing yields in the vineyard and treating the grapes with much more respect in the winery to add layers of sunny richness and texture to the green apple crunch we expect in the best examples from its homeland, the Loire Valley in France.
This from the excellent Simonsig estate is a perfect case in point, with the crunch and floral brightness of the nose suffused with honey, nectarine and a creamy weight of oatmeally depth. On the palate the incisive lemon zest and apple skin tang powers through the broad, expansive texture of the wine. There's a fruit salad explosion of flavour, with just a fleeting hint of sweetness, before a long, powerful and dry finish. See the video for more information, maps and food matching suggestions.
Simonsig
Simonsig Estate upholds the legendary status of pioneering wine excellence shaped by the Malan dynasty's devotion to quality and innovative winemaking.Named after its dramatic views of the Simonsberg Mountain, the estate is ideally situated in Stellenbosch, South Africa's premier wine region, 45 km east of Cape Town. Here the cool maritime Mediterranean climate and quintessential terroir flawlessly intertwine to create world class wines.
The cellar door at Simonsig Estate...
Since French Huguenot Jacques Malan first set foot in the Cape Winelands in 1688, the knowledge imparted over more than ten generations has equipped the Malan family to excel as one of the leading private producers of estate wines in South Africa. The late Frans Malan, beloved patriarch of the Malan Family and pioneer of the South African wine industry, was not only a craftsman of superior wines, but introduced numerous Simonsig "firsts" leaving an indelible legacy in the Cape Winelands.
From humble beginnings on the De Hoop farm in 1953 and inspired by Frans Malan's foresight and quest for unsurpassed quality, Simonsig has grown into a successful family business with a proud heritage. His groundbreaking innovations include South Africa's first Methode Cap Classique, Kaapse Vonkel more than 30 years ago - bottle fermented sparkling wine made in the style of French champagne. Frans Malan was also one of the three founders of the famous Stellenbosch Wine Route, the first of its kind in Africa, introducing local cellars to wine lovers and tourists from all over the world since 1971.
The Simonsberg Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to Simonsig's vineyards...
Simonsig Chardonnay, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2008
" The '06 and '07 developed into fabulous Cote d'Or look-alikes on a par with Philippe Chavy's best Bourgogne Chardonnay of yesteryear, and now the 2008 has developed a similar depth and character with all those generous and rich, integrated, creamy... "
goes well with... Roast Chicken, Roast Pork & Fish - Creamy
White
Save £2.90 a bottle
Dry Medium Bodied & Fruity
Wine Type... White WineVintage... 2008Style... Soft & Fruity WhitesCountry... South AfricaRegion... StellenboschGrower Name... SimonsigGrape Variety... ChardonnayABV... 13.5%