Simonsig Langbult Steen

Chenin Blanc is part of our DNA at Simonsig. The journey began with this iconic cultivar in 1968 when Chenin Blanc was the first wine bottled and labelled under the Simonsig brand. Years of experience in working with this cultivar have culminated into the Langbult Steen, previously known as Chenin avec Chêne. The single vineyard Langbult Steen (“long hill Chenin Blanc”), from which the wine takes its name, has been certified as an official heritage vineyard with old vine status as from the 2022 vintage, ushering in a new era for the Simonsig Langbult Steen wine.

AGEING
Can be enjoyed now or cellared for 5 to 8 years.

IN THE VINEYARD
Good winter rainfall in 2021 resulted in good soil water levels and plenty of available water for grapevines. A late and prolonged winter season resulted in a late start to the season. Furthermore, Stellenbosch experienced consistently cooler weather conditions throughout the spring and early summer months. Some rainfall during the spring and early summer months required meticulous vineyard management to prevent fungal disease. Early signs indicated a promising harvest with a good number of flowering bunches. Relatively cool conditions during December and January were very favourable and resulted in slow, even and gradual ripening along with good flavour concentration on grapes. Warm, dry weather from late January through February increased the ripening speed and resulted in smaller bunches with good intensity.

HARVESTING
Grapes from our oldest Chenin Vineyard (1987) were harvested at different ripeness levels to ensure complex flavour expressions and balance in the wine.

IN THE CELLAR
To ensure elegance and freshness in the wine, the grapes were whole bunch pressed. The juice was taken to barrel for spontaneous fermentation to take place. The wine was aged on primary lees with regular batonnage for 11 months. A combination of older 300L and 400L barrels were blended to create a complex wine with depth of flavour and freshness.

ANALYSIS
Alc : 13.5 % vol  rs : 2.9 g/l  pH : 3.2  ta : 6.8 g/l
type : White  style : Dry  body : Full   wooded
pack : Bottle  size : 750ml  closure : Cork