Simonsig launches maiden Straw Wine 2009

In the French wine regions of Rhone Jura and Alsace, grapes were dried on straw mats to concentrate the sugar and flavours. At Simonsig the grapes are dried on the vines by pinching the stem of each bunch with pliers to stop the flow of moisture from the roots to the berries.

After six weeks the berries lose moisture and the aromatic, sweet juice and exotic Muscat Ottonel fragrance is concentrated to almost double the initial sugar content. Hand-picked and meticulously selected to only harness the finest, natural flavours, these raisin berries yield very little juice - the equivalent of a mere third of the original volume.

The Simonsig Straw Wine 2009 reveals an intense fragrance with Muscat raisins and honeyed spiciness enriched with a subtle oak toastiness from maturation in seasoned French oak. It is smooth on the palate with layered flavours of aromatic dried pears and caramelised sugar, ending with a delicious dryish finish.

Enjoy the Simonsig Straw Wine 2009 with Malva pudding, with gorgonzola ice cream, baked rooibos infused cheese cake, foie gras terrine, or smoked duck breast salad with caramelised hazelnut. Straw wines are known for their longevity and this wine will last for ten years or more.

The Simonsig Straw Wine 2009, made in limited quantities only, retails at R115 per bottle and is only available directly from the estate.