Bonnievale quality and know-how underscores medal triumph at Michelangelo
Written by: Yolandi de Wet Save to Instapaper
The excellence of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc from Bonnievale has once again been highlighted at one of the country’s most auspicious championships. Judges at this year’s Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards awarded some of the event’s highest scores to Bonnievale Winery’s The River Collection Chenin Blanc 2023 and Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2021.
Each received a Double Gold medal, which represents a score of 93 out of a possible 100 points - or higher. They were among just 12.8% of the 1 555 entries this year that made the cut.
“To us, these awards serve primarily as recognition of the faith, care and dedication our growers have invested in quality over many generations,” says Bonnievale Winery chief winemaker Marthinus Rademeyer. “Only outstanding grapes can make outstanding wine, as these awards from Michelangelo have again shown.”
Other recent awards for the Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 include Gold at the Cabernet Sauvignon Challenge, and selection as one of the National Wine Challenge (NWC) Top 100 wines of 2023. It was also the second consecutive time NWC awarded the wine Double Platinum.
The Bonnievale Chenin Blanc received Gold at Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge and was rated by veteran wine authority Michael Fridjhon as a five-star wine in terms of value.
In excelling at the Michelangelo Awards this year, both wines showcase the world-class quality of Bonnievale Winery’s wines across price points and varieties. The competition is renowned for its international panel of judges, which comprised top experts from five continents.
The essence of a champion - Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon
Bonnievale ward is known as a source of top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, with many wineries across the winelands making use of grapes from the region for their own labels. The Bonnievale Winery Limited Release Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 – a full-bodied wine - is a premier example.
In its making, vineyard rows that consistently excel are first earmarked. They are then subjected to strict pruning and other intense viticultural management before the fruit is harvested at optimal ripeness. Secondary selection of fruit takes place at the winery. It is then vinified in small batches, aged in French and American oak barrels for 18 months and bottle-matured prior to release.
Typical of excellence - River Collection Chenin Blanc
The River Collection Chenin Blanc 2023 is typical of the variety, showing all the traits that make it popular. It is bracingly crisp and shows floral and fruity characters on the nose and palate.
A medium-bodied wine, it hails from vineyards that are meticulously farmed. Once harvested, this vintage’s fruit underwent 16 days of fermentation prior to settling and bottling.
The Chenin Blanc is available from Bonnievale Winery’s online store, www.bonnievalewines.co.za, for R73/bottle. The Cabernet Sauvignon sells from the site for R171/bottle.
All wines produced by Bonnievale Winery are available countrywide.
For more information about Bonnievale Wines, visit the website, phone 023 616 2795 or email: info@bonnievalewines.co.za.
Follow @BonnievaleWines on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Public relations, social media management, communication: food, wine, agriculture, awards functions & events.
Latest from
- Diverse Styles Shine At The 2025 Shiraz SA Challenge
- InteliGro partners with NWU Business School to support crop advisors as business partners
- First Preserve Championships draws overwhelming response
- When Surfaces Speak - A new exhibition at La Motte
- It’s the Silent Season - Silent Reading Event & Book Launch
- Chenin Blanc Lauded As The Little Black Dress Of Wine At Franschhoek Bastille Festival 2025
- Entries now open for the 2025 FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10
- Fabulous French Fête at Leopard's Leap Wine
- Raise A Glass Of Muskatini – Muscadel Sa Celebrates 20Th Awards With 11 Top Honours
- Another first at La Motte – Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Expert plant nutrition and soil management more important than ever
- Artistry in the Cellar – La Motte Releases 2020 Pierneef Atelier and 2024 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc
- Historic Wines of the Cape announces new CEO
- Entries open for the first South African Preserve Championships
- SauvBlancDay - Celebrate the cultivar with styles
The Pulse Latest Articles
- Hansgrohe Reinvents The Washbasin With Avalegra (August 15, 2025)
- From Tiktok To The Karoo: New SA Initiative Reclaims Manhood Through Wilderness (August 14, 2025)
- Rode Report Expands Coverage To Include Multifamily Rental Housing (August 13, 2025)
- How Women At Steinmüller Africa Are Reshaping Industry Leadership (August 13, 2025)
- Ditch The Crash: 3 Smarter Drink Choices To Fuel Your Workday (August 13, 2025)