Bonnievale Wines Sauvignon Blanc has been rated as a sought-after Top 10 wine following the announcement of winners in South Africa’s only competition dedicated exclusively to the variety. The champions were unveiled at a gala dinner in Cape Town last week, attended by the country’s leading producers.
“Our Sauvignon Blanc is a consistent award-winner, but this – the first FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 for Bonnievale – is especially gratifying,” says Bonnievale Wines CEO John Barnardt about the winning wine – the Bonnievale River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022. The winemaker responsible for its production, Edwin Mathambo, collected the award.
Every year, wineries enter their Sauvignon Blancs for evaluation by the competition’s panel of experts. It is a hotly contested event given that Sauvignon Blanc is South Africa’s biggest and most-exported wine grape variety. Entries are whittled first to a selection of the Top 20 before the winning ten wines are announced. This year’s competition was especially competitive considering the high quality of wines entered, said judging panel convenor, Cape Wine Master Dr Winifred Bowman.
The panel comprised two Cape Wine Masters, three winemakers and a leading wine commentor – all experienced judges who have assessed wines in local and international shows.
In tasting Bonnievale’s The River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022, the judges were glowing in their review. “Fresh and crisp like a sunny winter’s morning, this wine shows a hint of flintiness behind a splendid array of tropical fruit. The character is sustained on the palate, balanced by a subtle herbaceous note, and extends to a long satisfying finish. This medium-bodied wine should ideally be slightly chilled when served.”
In addition to Edwin Mathambo, the team behind the wine include viticulturist Sakkie Bosman, production manager and winemaker Marthinus Rademeyer, and producers Le Febre van der Merwe and Philip van der Merwe.
The River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2022 is available at leading restaurants and retailers around the country. It can also be purchased with door-to-door delivery via Bonnievale Wines’ online shop, accessible here: https://buywine.bonnievalewines.co.za/wine-shop/.
The winery itself is situated on the outskirts of the town from which it derived its name and is situated 125km due east of Cape Town. The region has a long history of wine growing that is rooted in soils, landscapes and climate ideally suited to producing award winning wines.
For more information about Bonnievale Wines, visit www.bonnievalewines.co.za, phone on 023 616 2795 or email info@bonnievalewines.co.za.
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