Simon & the Huguenots Sauvignon/Semillion | Stellenbosch, South Africa

£15.40

The wine’s name references two important aspects of the history of South African wine making.

Simon van der Stel was the first Governor of the Dutch Cape Colony, holding office from 1691 until 1699. The town of Stellenbosch, founded in 1679, was named after him. Widely considered as father of the Cape wine industry, van der Stel was also the first Governor to be of mixed race-origin.

The Huguenots were French Protestants who as members of the Reformed Church were habitually persecuted for their beliefs. In 1685 Huguenots fled the country for Holland in order that they could enjoy religious freedom.Between 1688 and 1689, the Dutch East India Company organised large-scale emigration to the Cape, which included Huguenots who were highly skilled tradesmen or farmers – some bringing experience in viticulture.

Simon van der Stel set aside land for the Huguenots along the Berg Rivervalley, which included Franschhoek (‘French corner’) and present-day Paarl.His actions and their expertise was the founding of South Africa’s wine industry.

The wine’s name references two important aspects of the history of South African wine making.

Simon van der Stel was the first Governor of the Dutch Cape Colony, holding office from 1691 until 1699. The town of Stellenbosch, founded in 1679, was named after him. Widely considered as father of the Cape wine industry, van der Stel was also the first Governor to be of mixed race-origin.

The Huguenots were French Protestants who as members of the Reformed Church were habitually persecuted for their beliefs. In 1685 Huguenots fled the country for Holland in order that they could enjoy religious freedom.Between 1688 and 1689, the Dutch East India Company organised large-scale emigration to the Cape, which included Huguenots who were highly skilled tradesmen or farmers – some bringing experience in viticulture.

Simon van der Stel set aside land for the Huguenots along the Berg Rivervalley, which included Franschhoek (‘French corner’) and present-day Paarl.His actions and their expertise was the founding of South Africa’s wine industry.

Origin: Stellenbosch, South Africa

Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon

Tasting Notes: Citrus, lime, fresh lemon with gooseberry and passion-fruit character with grassy notes from the Sauvignon. Very refreshing pear, melon and tropical fruit flavours.

ABV: 13.0%

Vintage: 2021

Ageing potential:

Attributes: Vegan, o

Closure: Screwcap

Farming: The vineyards have not sprayed insecticides for the past 13 years 

Sustainability info: There is a strong focus on water conservation, recycling and a greening project, which entails the planting of 1000’s of indigenous trees on the farm. The vinery runs several social upliftment initiatives off the farm, including the Pebbles Project teaching children the benefits of environmental awareness.

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