Boschendal Wine Estate has once again set the benchmark for outstanding South African wine with multiple wins at the Mundus Vini Spring Tasting 2021. One of the most notable wine competitions in the world, Mundus Vini’s 28th Grand International Wine Award accolades have reaffirmed the standard of excellence for which Boschendal has become known.
The Franschhoek winery emerged from the event with some of the most top-rated wines. Judged by a jury comprising oenologists, wine makers, wine traders and sommeliers, the estate secured three gold and four silver awards.
Standout gold winners were the Boschendal Brut NV Rosé NV, Boschendal Nicolas 2017, and Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2018. The estate’s brilliant vinification was also acknowledged with silver wins for the Boschendal Appellation Series Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Boschendal Sommelier Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2017, Boschendal Sommelier Selection Chenin Blanc 2020, and Boschendal 1685 Cabernet Sauvignon 2017.
For Cellar Master Jacques Viljoen, this acknowledgement rewards uncompromising dedication to expressing unique terroirs to the world. “It inspires us to push the boundaries, and to have continuous improvement as our motto. We have an amazing team that strives to capture the beauty of each vintage.”
His take on the secret to producing three standout gold winners: “Small bunches, even ripeness, long hanging time, perfect sugars and ripe tannins. We grow our vineyards in the coolest areas in the Cape coastal region. Choosing these terroirs results in a longer, slower ripening period. These areas tend to give concentration, perfect phenolic ripeness, but with lower alcohol balance. This is a big plus point to make balanced, classic and beautiful red wine.”
Boschendal Brut Rosé NV – a labour of love
Boschendal’s Brut Rosé captivates with its delicate pale pink colour and red fruit aromas, which delight the palate with hints of strawberry, raspberry and cherry flavours. To accomplish this, grapes were selected from the finest vineyards and harvested before dawn to achieve the freshness required for the making of base wine for a classical Cap Classique. Pinotage was selected to complement the elegant structure of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with luscious fruit.
The long labour of love that is the making of this premium Cap Classique began with sorting of the berries at the cellar. The juice of the red grapes was blended with 20% Chardonnay. This resulted in a unique sunset blush colour in the base wine, which was bottled under crown-cap where it underwent secondary fermentation. It was then given 12 months on the lees which allowed it to grow in complexity, adding depth and succulent, defined fruit complemented by a brisk sparkle.
Distinctive elegance – Boschendal The Nicolas 2017
The Nicolas 2017 is a blend brimming with character. Shiraz adds intrigue and depth with spicy notes. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot give classical structure. Malbec, a beautiful deep colour and vibrant red fruit, while the Merlot enhances the fruit profile. Each grape variety was selected for the complementary qualities it brought to the blend. In the cellar the cultivars were vinified separately and treated gently to obtain a signature classical elegance.
Nicolas is a wine with an excellent concentration of fruit, with prominent mulberry and plum flavours, as well as ripe black fruit such as blueberry and black currant integrated with oak spice tobacco and cedar oak, giving a cigar box finish. The tannins are well integrated, fresh and chalky, with a rich, smooth mouthfeel and persistent spicy finish.
Sumptuous Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2018
Grapes for this Shiraz originated from sites around Stellenbosch, Elgin and the Swartland. Bunch thinning and green harvesting were all done in the vineyards to promote colour, tannin and fruit ripeness, and to maximise the fruit aroma expression and wine concentration. For the vinification process grapes from each vineyard were fermented separately in stainless steel.
The winemaker’s tasting notes best describe this sublime release. On the nose: dark berries and exotic spice from oak with cool-climate pepper spice. Palate: generous, deep black fruit and a riper vintage fruit expression with pepper spice. Richness and juiciness with an integrated fruit core and silky ripe tannins. Shows elegant freshness and length with lingering fruit on the finish. Soft ripe tannins give richness, making it easy to drink.