A visit to Bosjes is an occasion.
To begin with, there is the chapel, hands down the most glorious poetry of form ever to grace the Breede River Valley, enhanced by lush landscaped gardens, an elevated labyrinth, a striking water feature and the sunken Teehuis. Up the slope the path leads to the stylish five suite lodge, a smartly converted barn circa 1790, now the epitome of luxurious style and comfort, and presiding over all is the Waaihoek mountain range, a fitting backdrop to the property with inviting walks, hikes and marvellous encounters with giraffe and wandering Wildebees.
And not forgetting Kombuis restaurant where I was headed on this particular occasion for the launch of Bosjes’ maiden wines, hosted by the legendary Winemaster Allan Mullins, an industry guru with the most delicious sense of humour! What a privilege to have this extraordinary man there in person, sharing the interesting details about the fine range he has curated -six unique house wines – expertly blended from grapes cultivated on farms in the area. I fell hard for the classic pinotage, all dark berry drama with intoxicating notes of lush raspberry, ripe plum, mulberry and black cherry.
Allan Mullins
There are 22 wineries in the Breedekloof Valley, known for its most widely planted grape- the Chenin Blanc- the staple of the region. The diverse terroir results in a slower ripening process which means the grapes gain an extra dimension and complexity, characteristics perfectly harnessed by Allan.
Chef Kim Cox, who has been at Kombuis since it opened, prepared a wonderful four course lunch for us – her new seasonal menu – that paired perfectly with each wine served.
Fennel cured Franschhoek river trout with a crunchy sepia cracker and granadilla creme
The Chenin Blanc below was paired with the trout dish above- perfection!
The wines, only available on the estate, are extremely well priced by glass and bottle. The pinotage I’m holding aloft in the featured image retails at R150 (R40 p/g) and the Chenin Blanc at R110 (R30 p/g).
www.bosjes.co.za | 023 004 0496
I was invited to attend this launch by Manley Communications– all opinions are my own
Snow on the Waaihoek!