Bonnievale Wines Expands Wine Portfolio With The River Collection Premium Range

In the unbridled spirit of progress, Bonnievale Wines has expanded its portfolio with a new premium range of wines as well as a new corporate identity to meet the growing interest in South African wines from local retail consumers. Called The River Collection, the wines were introduced to the media at a glamorous affair at the Bonnievale Wine Cellar. The new wine range represents the winemaker’s ultimate art in the creation of wines that showcase their provenance.

Situated just outside the town from which it gets its name, Bonnievale Wines is renowned as a leading producer and exporter of quality wines. Its home is a valley of vineyards, orchards and fields fed by the central artery that inspired The River Collection.

“The Breede River that runs through Bonnievale is the reason for our existence. It’s the core and heartbeat of our wines,” says Bonnievale CEO John Barnardt. “As such, The River Collection is the heart of our offering – a premium selection that is our primary focus.”

In farming and winemaking, Bonnievale Wines strive to communicate a vineyard’s sense of place – by working the wine at the right time to expose the best characteristics of variety and site.

The winemaking team is headed by Marthinus Rademeyer who joined Bonnievale in December 2009 and has a career shaped by early stints in California and St Emillion in France. His winemaking colleagues are Eddie Mathambo, Jean Slabber and Izak de Vries.

Winemakers Eddie Mathambo, Marthinus Rademeyer, Jean Slabber and Izak de Vries at the launch of the River Collection range at Bonnievale Wines.

The River Collection range currently includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and dry Cinsault Rosé. Reds will be added when the 2017 vintage is released later this year.

The River Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2018 is medium-bodied, fresh and crisp with a slight flinty undertone. Tropical notes with a hint of herbs show on the nose and reflect on the palate too. It is an ideal partner to seafood and sushi.

The River Collection Chardonnay 2018 is a rounded, delicate wine with subtle aromas of oak, citrus and peach. On the palate are tones of dried fruit. It can be enjoyed on its own or with hearty curries, creamy pastas and salads.

The River Collection Chenin Blanc 2018 is a classic example of the variety. It’s crisp and bright with floral and fruity aromas that are pleasantly amplified on the palate. It is satisfying when savoured by itself or served with full-flavoured white meat dishes.

The River Collection Cinsault Rosé 2018 is made in the crisp, dry style of Southern France. The result is a light, aromatic and refreshing wine that pairs exceptionally well with seafood and crisp garden salads.

The River Collection wines available are currently being sold from the cellar door for R57 each. They will be available soon at leading retailers countrywide, including Tops @ Spar and Food Lover’s Market.