A Celebration of Sweet Sophistication in the Franschhoek Valley

When one of South Africa’s pre-eminent fashion designers collaborates with one of its most iconic wine brands, you know magic is going to happen. And it did in Franschhoek, over a weekend-long event – held in association with Courvoisier  – to celebrate the launch of Boschendal’s new Demi Sec Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) and to unveil David Tlale’s wedding collection that, like the designer himself, proved to be anything but predictable.

A highlight of the two-day event, which took place on 14 and 15 April, was the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind Tlale dress inspired by the elegant new Demi Sec Cap Classique.

Boschendal is built on a heritage of over 330 years and has an ethos of authenticity, respect for the environment and a passion for making wines which exemplify the creativity and craftsmanship of its winemakers. This is why the collaboration with David Tlale is such a natural fit as there’s a shared vision of harnessing raw materials and blending them with skill and inspiration to deliver something exquisite and distinctive. Just like David’s unmistakable aesthetic, Boschendal’s new Demi Sec combines this creativity with premium elegance.

Shirley van Wyk, marketing manager at Boschendal, says that working with Tlale was a wonderful experience, “Boschendal is a proud supporter of African artists and we have long been admirers of David’s work. He brings something utterly new to the global catwalk with an aesthetic that exemplifies ‘beauty without pretence’. We have a shared vision to create something beautiful and authentic. Our Demi Sec attests to this – it’s time intensive to create, with our winemaker lovingly tweaking every step – much like David with his garments. It was also a pleasure to have Courvoisier on board for this prestigious event.”

Guests at the exclusive event included globally-renowned photographer Trevor Stuurman, Lulama Wolf and Gemaén Taylor. They were treated to a picnic lunch in the rose garden, gala extravaganza at the Olive Press and breakfast at the prestigious Werf Restaurant. Fashion shows for Tlale’s resort showcase and the wedding collection as well as the Demi Sec dress reveal were the weekend’s highlights.

Tlale says, “The Demi Sec is the ideal Cap Classique to add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any celebration – and what is more celebratory than a wedding? They are a perfect pair.”

He said he was delighted to collaborate with Boschendal, “I have the utmost regard for Boschendal – I love its sustainable ethos and its drive to create wines that go beyond the ordinary and show off the best that Africa has to offer. I think these values are mirrored in my own work.”

Boschendal’s new Demi Sec was the perfect accompaniment to the collaboration. Its delicate bubbles and indulgent crème brulee and almond Biscotti notes, balanced with a soft explosion of lemon cream and orange peel, added a decadent fizz to the celebrations.  The wine is made in the Cap Classique method, with a 12-month maturation on the lees that helps catalyse creamy mouth-feel, delectable minerality and seamless finish.