Simonsig Merindol Syrah 2015

Simonsig Wine Estate (established 1953) in Stellenbosh was founded, and is still owned and managed by the Malan Family. The Malans played a crucial role in the shaping of the modern wine industry in South Africa, from the establishment of the Stellenbosch Wine Route and the Wine of Origin system to the creation of the Cap Classique Association and Stellenbosch Cabernet Collective.

The name Merindol is taken from the Malan Coat of Arms and is the French village where the Malans originated. Over the past fifteen years Simonsig has replanted Shiraz vineyards with the best Shiraz clones available. The Merindol vineyard was planted in 1996 on a deep red Hutton soil of weathered granite origin. 100% Shiraz.

Grapes for this 100 percent Shiraz were picked on the 9th of March 2015. Grapes were crushed, destemmed and cold soaked for two days prior to inoculation. Fermentation peaked at 28°C. Regular and controlled pump overs resulted in sufficient colour and tannin extraction. 31 Days of extended maceration took place before pressing. Malolactic fermentation took place in new French oak barrels over 15 months.