Recent weeks have seen the announcement of results from seven prestigious competitions where wines from Bonnievale have excelled. The team's efforts produced no less than 32 medals, including one Double Gold and 13 Gold medals. The top-performing wines across all the shows were the Bonnievale River Collection Chardonnay 2018 and Sauvignon Blanc 2018.
"Our wine team put its nose to the grindstone to prepare wines that are honest and cultivar-driven," says Marthinus. "Our 'younger' red wines did exceptionally well and show promise that they will improve even more with time while the classic Bonnievale River Collection Chardonnay 2018 is definitely a favourite this year."
Bonnievale strategic Brand Advisor Carina Gous says it's heart-warming to see the new brand positioning come to life. "The Bonnievale message is based on building a premium brand by meticulously selecting and bottling only the very best part of the harvest," she says.
"The combination of our new premium packaging for our River Collection and Nature ranges and new products and wine styles is truly delivering on what we are trying to build and achieve.
"We are extremely happy with the positive response from consumers and customers to our new brand proposition and packaging, but even more delighted with the response from the various panels of judges from the latest round of 2018 wine competitions."
At Vitis Vinifera, a local consumer-driven competition, the Gold medal winners were the River Collection Cinsault Rosé 2018 and Shiraz 2017.
The Gold Wine Awards, which highlight excellent wines at the price, awarded Gold to Bonnievale's River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Chardonnay 2018, Pinotage 2017.
At the esteemed UK-based IWSC (International Wine and Spirit Competition), Bonnievale collected four medals. The competition is the oldest and biggest international wine competition in the world, receiving entries from over 90 countries.
Here, Bonnievale's top performers were the River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Chardonnay 2018, Chenin Blanc 2018 and Cinsault Rosé 2018, which were rated by the international panel of judges as "good examples; well above average".
The SA Women's Wine & Spirits Awards was another triumph for Bonnievale when it collected three Gold medals. They were the River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Chardonnay 2018, Chenin Blanc 2018.
The Ultra Value Awards proved Bonnievale's most prominent display. The winery's portfolio claimed nine medals, including the Double Gold for the River Collection Chardonnay 2018. Gold medals were awarded to the River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2018 and Shiraz 2017, and Silver to the River Collection Chenin Blanc 2018, Cinsault Rosé 2018, Merlot 2017 and Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2017, as well as the Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Shiraz 2015.
More Gold medals came Bonnievale's way at the authoritative Michelangelo International Wine and Spirit Awards, where the winners were the River Collection Chardonnay 2018, Merlot 2017 and Shiraz 2017.
Finally, Bonnievale's second-biggest medal haul came at the Veritas Awards, South Africa's oldest championship. With record entries this year, competition was at the highest it has ever been. Bonnievale saw eight wines singled out at the gala event, held at the CTICC in Cape Town. The River Collection Chenin Blanc 2018, River Collection Shiraz 2017 and Barrel Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 all won Silver while Bronze went to the River Collection Pinotage 2017, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2017, Merlot 2017, Chardonnay 2918 and Sauvignon Blanc 2018.
Reflecting many of these results, reports from the Bonnievale winery's visitor tasting lounge highlight the favourites.
"Visitors often express pleasant surprise at the River Collection Chenin Blanc 2018, which a wonderfully fruity all-rounder for summer," says Bonnievale brand representative Nina Steenkamp. "The Sauvignon Blanc remains a top-seller with visitor feedback noting a well-balanced acidity and the Cinsault Rosé is the favourite among many women who prefer a lighter style."
From a national perspective, Bonnievale national sales manager Patrick Lovell says wine-buyers are always pleased to see awards on wines, as this justifies their confidence in the Bonnievale portfolio.
"The River Collection white wines and Cinsault Rosé are receiving good feedback, although there seems to be no clear favourite in tastings. Still, the Chardonnay and Cinsault achieve better sales when offered for tastings in the marketplace.
The Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot and Pinotage have had the best response in these tasting occasions."
Patrick adds that public response to the new packaging has been very good. "Overall, Bonnievale is regarded as delivering exceptional value at the price."
Bonnievale wines are available at Prestons, selected Tops and Spar retailers, Loco Liquors, selected Liquor City stores, independent liquor stores and soon, in Food Lovers Market and soon in Ultra Liquors too.
For more information about Bonnievale Wines, visit www.bonnievalewines.co.za, phone on +27.236162795 or email: nina@bonnievalewines.co.za.
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