Bon Courage Estate
150 kilometres from Cape Town and alongside the Brede River, you'll find Robertsons's "Valley of Wine and Roses". This picturesque and fertile region is renowned for producing wine of great complexity, character and depth. This is due, in part, to ideal climatic conditions and the rich calcareous soils of the area.
On the outskirts of Robertson village - where tow smaller rivers meet the Breede - is the historic and highly successful Bon Courage Wine Estate. The stately Cape Dutch homestead dates back to 1818 and the estate has enjoyed the expert attention and dedication of three generations of the Bruwer family, who trace their ancestry to France's Loire Valley. Today, Andre Bruwer and his son, Jacques - both graduates of South Africa's leading institute of viti- and viniculture, Elsenberg Agricultural College - combine their experience, mastery, patience, personal attention, and love for wine to produce a selection of the country's finest wines.
New World Wine With a Noble Legacy
While many parts of the world are only now discovering the excellence and variety of South African wines, the history of wine in this country dates to the mid-17th century and has resulted in the ongoing production of an unquestionable quality and assortment of superb vintages.
A Harmony of Soil and Varietal
Bon Courage Wine Estate enjoys the privilege of being situated at the confluence of three rivers. This results in a rich variety of soils, suited to a wide selection of grape varietals. Andre and Jacques take full advantage of the opportunity to carefully harmonise soil and cultivar to achieve great diversity and exceptional quality.
Dark alluvial soil, along the banks of the rivers, is ideal for heavy bearing cultivars such as Chenin Blanc and Colombar. Gravelly sectors - which are rich in lime with a high pH level - are perfect for Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Porous sedimentary soils are suited to shy-bearing red wine cultivars such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot.
Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold
Blessed with model climatic conditions, Bon Courage Wine Estate appreciates long sunlight hours in summer. This ensures optimum ripeness, resulting in the perfect natural sugar and acid content. Exceptionally low rainfall during the growing period minimises the need for pesticides.
Computerised drip irrigation is used to achieve scientific control of water applications. The estate is fanned by a cool, south-easterly breeze during summer afternoons and evenings. Nights are chilly and often misty, further assisting to safeguard the delicate and elusive flavours and aromas of its grapes. During the dormant winter months, Bon Courage is soaked by heavy rainfall.
So Environmentally-friendly, even ducks are in on the action
While Bon Courage Wine Estate uses state-of-the-art equipment and technology, the winemakers are committed to environment-friendly processes - or so-called "integrated production" - at all stages. The dry conditions of the region mean that - unlike in many other wine producing areas - chemical spraying is unnecessary. In fact, so integrated is the estate, that non-intrusive, nature-favourable ducks are used to keep the snails in check!
Harvested with loving care
To sustain the superior calibre of the vineyard and its harvest, yields per hectare are kept low. Harvesting begins at approximately 3 o'clock in the morning. This is when the temperature of the grapes is at its lowest and, of course, the cooler the grape and the sooner it is crushed after picking, the more subtle the flavour of the wine.
Grapes are selected with great care and come only from Bon Courage Wine Estate. Handling is kept to a minimum and reductive methods are used to enhance flavours and achieve exquisitely crisp, clean and classic wines.
Awards and recognition bear testimony to quality
Although many of the wine making methods used are traditional, the winemakers ensure that they are abreast with international trends and new techniques. A combination of excellent grapes and innovative and meticulous production methods has won Bon Courage Wine Estate wide acclaim and numerous medals and awards, both locally and internationally. These include Andre being named South Africa's Champion Estate Winemaker for three consecutive years, as well as receiving the prestigious "Diners Club Winemaker of the Year" award. Bon Courage wines have also been selected for the reputable South African Airways wine list.
Fine Selection - you be the judge
Bon Courage Wine Estate's multi-dimensional range of wine includes a selection of noble whites, classic reds and a variety of award-winning blends. They feature an intricate array of fruity aromas and flavours. The ultimate test of the complex process of wine making is in the drinking of the wine.
You be the judge!
Bon Cour
age Estate P.O. Box 589, Robertson 6705, South Africa
Tel: +27 23 626 4178
Fax: +27 23 626 3581
Web: www.boncourage.co.za
