The Corkless Mind

Tag: Wine lover

Sip. Eat. sleep at Kunjani

*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, in that we were hosted at Kunjani, however all additional costs, for e.g food, were at our own expense. All views are my own*

If you’ve been following my wine and food journey so far, you’ll know this boutique winery has a special place in my heart. Special friendships and memories have culminated from their very ethos – a coming together of two cultures. My husband and I together with our fur-child, bunny Riesling, how apt right? (seeing that Paul grew up between his father’s Riesling vines in Germany’s Rheingau region) were invited to stay for a weekend at one of the beautiful villas at the winery. Warmly welcomed by co-founder Pia, we found ourselves to feel right at home already.

Peek a boo – Riesling living his absolute best life at Kunjani!

We were accommodated in the self-catering Cabernet villa which is beautifully furnished with modern fittings, a working kitchen with all you need and then some, an en suite bedroom with a very comfy king bed. The platter of delicious morsels that awaited us in our villa, was perfectly curated by Chef Lamek. Although the level 2 rules were in place at the time, which meant we couldn’t purchase any wines over the weekend, we were treated to a lovely tasting of their latest vintages. As usual Kunjani’s wines never disappoint. From wines to food, It’s no secret how talented Chef Lamek is, his food is always thoughtfully made and seasonal of course. Having visited whilst still in the throes of winter, the menu is curated in a comfort food meets gourmet fashion. Crispy Pork belly, mussels in a white wine broth, and lamb shank are what you will expect to find on the winter menu. All of course paired to perfection with a Kunjani wine.

Breakfasts are simple yet tasty (not included in your stay). The restaurant caters only for breakfast and lunch. Thereafter you will have to scout the greater area of Stellenbosch for dinner, or make a meal in your villa in the lovely kitted out kitchen.

The villa has a gorgeous patio that opens up to the low yielding vineyard that produces Kunjani’s award-winning Chenin Blanc. We were very lucky to bask in some sun that weekend, although a chill stayed in the air. A little tranquil vineyard stay is what we all need to acclimatise to the new norm we now face. Get 30% off all accommodation bookings valid until 28 February 2021. This offer is valid for all stays at Kunjani Villas until 28 February 2021. Discount is only valid when booked directly with Pia via info@kunjaniwines.co.za

A massive thank you to Pia and Paul for graciously and warmly hosting us.

For more information, visit: https://kunjaniwines.co.za/villas/

September 23, 2020
Bonnievale Wine Estate Launches New Limited Release Wines at Gorgeous George Hotel in Cape Town

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. *

December 9, 2019
The 2019 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10

Last week I had the privilege of attending the FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 at the tallest skyscraper in Cape Town, the FNB Portside Building. 2019 being the first year I am attending my very first wine awards gala, excitement leading up to the day was palpable. I was invited to attend as media and brought my husband along as my plus 1, he ended up striking up new connections with a few winemakers, whilst I mingled and caught up with a few of the industry’s best. The evening was glamorous with lots of the participants Sauvignon Blanc flowing from table to table.

The Top 10 were drawn from a broad collection of entries this year, with 107 producers submitting 183 wines. The country’s diverse wine growing regions were well represented with five out of the six regions in the Western Cape delivering at least one wine in the top 20. A total of 12 of the top 20 wines were from the 2019 vintage, confirming the overall industry consensus that this year was an outstanding year for Sauvignon Blanc.

In alphabetical order, this year’s top 10:

. Cederberg Ghost Corner Sauvignon Blanc 2019

·         De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Wooded)

·         Diemersdal Winter Ferment Sauvignon Blanc 2019

·         Du Toitskloof Land’s End Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Wooded)

·         Groote Post Seasalter Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Wooded)

·         Lomond Sauvignon Blanc 2019

·         Merwida Sauvignon Blanc 2019

·         Spier Ideology Sauvignon Blanc 2019

·         Stark-Condé Round Mountain Sauvignon Blanc 2018 (Wooded)

·         Tokara Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Wooded)

Wine lovers will be able to acquire the 2019 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 collection via Wine of the Month Club. For more information, email admin@sauvignonblanc.com.

A technical seminar based on this year’s performance will take place on Wednesday 20 November in Franschhoek. For more information or to become a member, visit www.sauvignonblanc.com or call 021 975 4440.

October 18, 2019