The launch for Bonnievale’s premium wine launch was hosted in the newly renovated ‘The White Room’ at the beautiful Gorgeous George Hotel in Cape Town last week. Bonnievale Wines launched two limited release, single-variety wines crafted from a selection of top vineyard sites that reflect the influence of the ancient soils, climate, and weather of the Bonnievale ward. The wines are a Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2017 vintage and a Chardonnay, from 2019 – both destined to be must-haves for the discerning wino. The new wines feature dedicated packaging and labels that reflect their premier status in the Bonnievale portfolio, as well as the quality of the contents.
The Luncheon, consisted of a five-course menu, with all meals paired with Bonnievale wines. The hotel oozes opulence with chic touches of modernity. The roof-top bar is as ‘Instagrammable’ as is the Bonnievale Rosé served on the day.
Now on to the bit, you’ve been waiting for, the Bonnievale Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 displays beautiful, clean red fruit, notably raspberry, supported by hints of liquorice and leather on the nose. The juicy red fruit carries through on the palate, supported by fine, ripe tannins that provide elegant structure and loads of depth to the wine. With 18 months maturing in mainly new French and American oak, the two types of oak deliver a balanced and well-integrated wine with a taste that lingers long after the last sip. The Limited Release Chardonnay 2019 has delectable citrus on the nose, especially of lime and grapefruit that extend to the palate. It is crisp and fresh with a distinct flinty finish. Here too, the French oak that was used to mature the wine for seven months is well integrated, supporting the fruit but also delivering a smooth, rounded mouthfeel.
Why these cultivars?
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay have long been stars in the Bonnievale Wines portfolio. Both cultivars also remain highly regarded and sought after in international markets. The two cultivars are also keenly sourced by many of South Africa’s premier winemakers for use in their own blends and brands.
Bonnievale Wines
This coming-of-age for Bonnievale Wines has led to a renewed focus in recent years on high quality and high value. First came the revamp of its portfolio and then, the launch of the premium River Collection range, which has accumulated a string of local and international awards.
The home of Bonnievale Wines is the eponymous village, located some 200km east of Cape Town. A renowned winemaking region, Bonnievale’s vineyards are influenced by amongst others the presence of two major rivers – the Breede and Riviersonderend – and micro-climates created by extensive hills and soaring mountains.
Where to purchase and what’s the cost
The wines produced here are available countrywide and available for order from Bonnievale Wines’ online shop at http://www.bonnievalewines.co.za.
The Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 sells from R140/bottle and the Limited Release Chardonnay 2019, from R95/bottle.
*Information supplied by Yolandi De Wet PR and Bonnievale Wines. *
It’s no secret that vegan and vegetarian fare get a lot of flack for what most think is rather bland and unimaginative cuisine. Balducci’s is here to change your mind. Last Friday I was invited to try out the new menu and what would also fall on international champagne day proved to be such a refreshing treat.
The Corkless Mind 