The consistency of quality in wines produced by Bonnievale Winery has been re-affirmed with a string of medals and a notable achievement most recently awarded at the esteemed Veritas Awards. At the annual gala event in Cape Town last week, Veritas judges presented Bonnievale with a Silver Outstanding for The River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2023.Just months ago, the same Sauvignon Blanc received Double Gold in the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge.
Excelling at Veritas is a highlight considering the event is the longest running and arguably the most prestigious wine and brandy competition in South Africa. The judging system for Veritas is regarded as one of the most thorough in the industry.
The recognition given to Bonnievale Winery again underscored a consistency of excellence. Its wines are no stranger to the limelight with the Sauvignon Blanc 2022 having been named among the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 last year. This was followed by the Bonnievale River Collection Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 being selected as one of the year’s top 100 Wines at the National Wine Challenge (NWC) while also claiming Gold in the Cabernet Sauvignon Challenge.
The achievement at Veritas again showcases the ideal suitability of terroir of the Bonnievale and Robertson regions for producing Sauvignon Blanc in particular.
In assessing the River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2023, the panel at Gilbert & Gaillard described the wine as showing aromas of passion fruit and gooseberry with hints of litchi. Its “fruit-forward palate” echoes the tropical fruit, aided by a crisp acidity.
They declared the wine “uncomplex and easy, but layered on the aftertaste”, advising it would continue to develop up to three years from vintage.
Varied soils contributed to this wine’s excellence. Of two vineyard blocks from which fruit was meticulously selected, one is characterised by black alluvium with light sandiness. The other is similar, but with a scatter of river rock.
Each of the vineyards has its own unique character too, shaped by orientation. One grows on a slope facing slightly south with row orientation being north-south. The other stands flat, with an east-west row orientation. The wine was vinified with care, with fermentation extending over a period of two weeks.
The bottled result is the culmination of extreme care and know-how that extends from vintage to vintage, being recognised now again by both Veritas and Gilbert & Gaillard.
The wines produced by Bonnievale Winery are available countrywide and available for order from its online shop at www.bonnievalewines.co.za. The River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2023 sells for R73 per bottle. For more information about Bonnievale Wines click HERE.