Simonsig is one of the most awarded and beloved wineries in the New World. We are located in South Africa, in the heart of the country's most prestigious wine region, Stellenbosch. This is where Tiara is born, a red wine, a ‘Bordeaux blend’ that perfectly embodies the essence of its terroir. It is the flagship wine of the Malan Vineyard Selection, a range that reflects the Malan family's dedication to quality and craftsmanship. But let's start at the beginning. Stellenbosch, 45 km east of Cape Town, is surrounded by mountains. The climate here is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. All this is tempered by the Atlantic Ocean breezes, creating ideal conditions for viticulture. The Tiara blend is composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. The grapes are hand-picked at optimal ripeness, destemmed and cold macerated. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot ferment on the skins for 14-18 days, while the Cabernet Franc and Malbec ferment in open vats with punching down and pumping over. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak barriques. After an initial blending, the wine matures for a total of 20 months in barriques, with three rackings before bottling. On the nose, Tiara offers intense aromas of dark berries, such as blackberry and black cherry, enriched with sweet spicy notes. On the palate, it is structured and complex, with well-integrated tannins and lively acidity. The finish is long and persistent. Thanks to its structure, Tiara has an ageing potential of up to 20 years, during which it will develop further aromatic nuances and greater harmony. It pairs well with red meat dishes, such as braised beef, lasagne with meat sauce and game. Its complexity and structure also make it ideal with mature cheeses and spicy dishes.