Simonsig cellar master Johan Malan took top-honours at this year’s Wine-of-the-Month Club Winemaker Awards in being named Winemaker of the Year. At the annual awards function held last week, Simonsig Estate won 11 awards for a diverse range of wines that had been selected as top-scorers over the past year by the Wine-of-the-Month’s judging panel.
This is definitely one of the most prized awards in the industry as one’s wines are judged throughout the year by a small panel of experts. To win 11 awards from our submissions to the Wine-of-the-Month Club recognises Simonsig’s ability in consistently producing quality wines over a broad range of cultivars and styles. For this I have to thank my teams in the cellar and the vineyards who are so efficient in expressing Simonsig’s unique and special terroir throughout a broad spectrum of wines.
The Wine-of-the-Month Club, which celebrates its 26th anniversary this year, annually screens hundreds of wines, with only the best making the cut for delivery to Club members in the its various wine programmes.
The 11 Simonsig wines who received Wine-of-the-Month Awards this year were: Mr Borio’s Shiraz 2011; Gewürztraminer 2013; Gewürztraminer 2011; Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2009; Kaapse Vonkel Brut 2010 MCC; Cuvée Royale 2007 MCC; Aurum Chardonnay 2010; Chenin Avec Chêne 2010; Redhill Pinotage 2011; Tiara 2009; Redhill Pinotage 2010.
According to Johan, the Wine-of-the-Month Club plays an important role in offering South African wine lovers access to a diverse array of quality wines on a regular basis.
“The Club has become an institution among both the wine making and wine buying fraternity, and with over 30 000 members it plays a profound role in giving wine lovers access to South Africa’s top wines,” he says. “The importance of Wine-of-the-Month has grown as the number of wines on offer in South Africa has boomed over the past decade. With over 6 000 wine brands in the country, the consumer is today more than ever dependent on a reliable institution capable of making monthly selections reflecting variety and quality – at a desirable price point.
“In the process the Club has to my mind played a major role in establishing and maintaining an awareness of wine and has helped in creating a culture of wine in the country. Quite frankly, a South African wine industry without the Wine-of-the-Month Club is unimaginable. Simonsig thus accepts this very kind award with great gratitude and we hope that together with the Club we will enjoy the many vintages that lie ahead of us.”
