Description
What kind of wine it is
The Simonsig Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon is a refined South African red wine with an intense ruby hue. This blend elegantly combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes, revealing a deep bouquet of blackberries, crème de cassis, ripe plums, violet, and hints of fynbos. On the palate, it offers a full body and concentrated fruit, supported by a pleasant freshness and velvety tannins. Notes of milk chocolate, toasted nuances, and vanilla accompany the persistent, dry finish. It pairs perfectly with roast beef, grilled meats, mushroom risottos, and mature cheeses.
Where it comes from
This red originates from Stellenbosch, one of South Africa's most prestigious wine regions. It is produced by Simonsig, a historic estate whose roots date back to the arrival of the French Huguenot settlers in 1688, now passionately managed by the Malan family. The estate is renowned for its pioneering approach to local viticulture and its strong focus on environmental sustainability. The soils and climate of this region favour optimal grape ripening, giving them extraordinary aromatic concentration and allowing the wine to express all the elegance of its terroir.
How it is produced
After meticulous selection in the vineyard and gentle destemming, the production process includes a brief period of cold maceration. Fermentation is accompanied by regular daily pump-overs, followed by an extended period in contact with the skins and gentle pressing. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for eighteen months in French oak barrels, during which three rackings are carried out to encourage the wine's natural clarity. The result is a wine of great structure, crafted with care to be suitable even for those following a vegan lifestyle.
History and Curiosities
The Simonsig Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the legacy of the Malan family, pioneers of viticulture in Stellenbosch. This historic estate, whose roots date back to the settlement of the Huguenot colonists in 1688, stands out for its deep commitment to sustainability and quality. The 2019 vintage, carefully matured for eighteen months in French oak barrels, releases exceptional aromatic elegance that enhances the complexity of the South African terroir. It boasts the prestigious Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
These elements are intertwined in this family-owned farm, where the late Frans Malan produced the first bottle of our much-loved Kaapse Vonkel, South Africaʼs first Méthode Cap Classique made in the classic bottle-fermented style. He is also honoured for co-founding the thriving Stellenbosch Wine Route, a first in its time. Today, his legacy lives on through his sons, Francois and Johan, and grandchildren Francois-Jacques, Christelle and Michael, the 2nd and 3rd Malan generations at Simonsig Wine Estate. Read more
| Name | Simonsig Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red green still |
| Denomination | N/A |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc |
| Country | South Africa |
| Region | South Africa |
| Vendor | Simonsig |
| Story | History and Curiosities The Simonsig Labyrinth Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the legacy of the Malan family, pioneers of viticulture in Stellenbosch. This historic estate, whose roots date back to the settlement of the Huguenot colonists in 1688, stands out for its deep commitment to sustainability and quality. The 2019 vintage, carefully matured for eighteen months in French oak barrels, releases exceptional aromatic elegance that enhances the complexity of the South African terroir. It boasts the prestigious Gold Medal at the International Wine Challenge. |
| Origin | Stellenbosch, South Africa |
| Fermentation | 13–22 days on the skins |
| Production technique | Delicate destemming; cold maceration for 2 days; inoculation with selected yeast; fermentation with 2–4 pump-overs per day and 13–22 days on the skins; gentle pressing; malolactic fermentation in barrel; ageing for 18 months in French oak barrels with three rackings. |
| Wine making | After a gentle destemming, cold maceration for 2 days and inoculation with selected yeast; during fermentation, 2-4 pump-overs per day, then 13-22 days on the skins and gentle pressing. Malolactic fermentation in barrel and ageing for 18 months in French oak barrels with three rackings (26% first, 27% second, 47% third). |
| Aging | 18 months in French oak barrels; malolactic fermentation in barrel and a total of three rackings during ageing (26% first, 27% second, 47% third) |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |

