Simonsig, Cuvee Royale 2017

In 1990 Johan Malan travelled to Champagne on a study tour. He returned with a dream to make a Simonsig Prestige Cuvee from the finest and most delicate Chardonnay cuvees capable of long evolution to achieve the pinnacle of Cap Classique quality.

Chardonnay lends the delicacy and finesse to the Cuvee. It develops very slowly in the bottle, which explains the 5 years the Cuvee Royale spends in the cool cellars before release.

TASTING NOTES
Delightful golden yellow colour with a very fine mousse forming on the surface. Upfront flavours of roasted almonds and ripe yellow apple occur on the nose. Extended maturation under ideal conditions allows the yeast to release warm biscuity flavours, adding fullness, elegance and complexity to the wine. This wine shows an excellent balance between the layers of citrus fruit deriving from Chardonnay and secondary flavours from slow maturation, all adding to a unique Blanc de Blancs with excellent complexity and character.

REVIEWS & AWARDS

91 points by Decanter Magazine

"Things have come a long way since 1973, when Simonsig, under Frans Malan, launched the first Cap Classique. Now made by his son Johan, there have only been 17 vintages of this single-vineyard Blanc de Blancs since it was first made in 1991, and 2017 was a great year. Disgorged in March 2020 after five years on lees, this boasts a complex, textured palate of ripe green apples, tangy, creamy citrus curd, and baked almond pastries. It doesn't undergo malo, so the the ripeness is kept in check by lovely acidity and a lemon verbena lift. Delicious now but maturing well."

Winner – Top 100 SA Wines

4.5 Stars – Platters Guide 2016

2015 Veritas Awards Silver Medal

2015 IWSC: Silver Medal
2015 MCC Amorim Cap Classique Challenge: Gold Medal