It might have been tricky recognising collegues at DGB Wellington this morning, but what a treat to see the staff join in the Halloween fun. Wellington is well known for their great comeraderie and team spirit, and we can only imagine what Santa has planned!

This 2007 Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend raked in a 4½ stars, winning Best Vintage category at the Amorim Cap Classique Challenge early in September, followed by a Winemaker’s Choice Diamond Award late September, and now the Double Gold at Veritas.

“Not many people think bubbly when they think Boschendal now,” says Marketing Manager Brad Gold. “We are actually the second oldest producer of MCC, but have laid low for about 10 years before we decided to re-launch on a more structured scale two years ago.  The stellar performance of this 2007 Grande Cuvée Brut confirms that Boschendal is really delivering on experience in style.”

So what’s the secret behind Boschendal’s beautiful bubbles? Winemaker, Lizelle Gerber smiles, “no secret, just gentle handling and attention to detail every step of the way. We use only handpicked Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes for our Grande Cuvée Brut and then only the first 500 liters from the press.”

 “I believe bubbly is all about purity first,” says Lizelle. “The fruit must be graceful but focused and fresh – if you get the base wine right, the second fermentation and extended maturation on the lees will allow the bubbles to naturally reveal endlessly intriguing layers and freshness.” 

This is a deliciously full rich and creamy bubbly with plenty of yellow and green apple fruit, roast nuts and almond biscotti supported by citrus freshness and a discreet minerality that cleans up beautifully to a balanced seamless finish.

“For me, it’s all about delivering pleasure and quality.” says Lizelle of the soaring popularity of Boschendal Grande Cuvée Brut 2007, “Awards always feel great because you know that you are on the right track. This is a finely tuned cuvée from a great year, and I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks it’s amazing.”

Boschendal Grande Cuvée is available for purchase in fine wine retailers across the country at around R105. 

 

Winemakers’ Choice Awards is the only award show judged exclusively by winemakers. “This is a great compliment,” says Lizelle Gerber who made this super-successful cuvée. “Winning awards always feels great, but when the recognition comes from your peers in the industry, it is particularly rewarding.”

Boschendal Grande Cuvée Brut 2007 is one of only 3 Cap Classique Sparkling Wines that cracked a Diamond Award. The consistent stellar performance across this season’s competitions and ratings has placed Boschendal at the fore of the MCC category.

“People are often surprised to encounter Boschendal in a bubbly sense,” says Brand Manager Brad Gold. “Boschendal were in fact one of the first producer’s to produce bottle fermented sparkling wine in South Africa, and have always made small quantities for hospitality in our restaurant and at the cellar door until Lizelle raised the bar and we re-launched the Grande Cuvee Brut 2006 and La Pavillion Rosé bubblies two years ago. The 2007 vintage is the second release and has attracted tremendous support. It really captures the energy and spirit of the brand. It’s amazing!”

Great care and attention is lavished to achieve the definitive intricate style and complexity. First and foremost, we make sure that the core fruit structure is crisp, clean and fresh allowing the cuvee to reveal itself naturally in endlessly intriguing layers after a slow fermentation and 3 years maturation on the lees. The result is a delicious yellow and green apple fruit with hints of citrus supported by discreet almond biscotti and brioche with a full, creamy mouthfeel and elegant minerality that cleans up beautifully to a balanced seamless finish.

Boschendal Grande Cuvée is available for purchase in fine wine retailers across the country at around R105.