Bonang Matheba launched her very own luxury beverage brand in Johannesburg today with the introduction of the House of BNG and its Brut and Brut RoséMéthodeCap Classiques (MCCs).
In her latest endeavour, Queen B has also become the first black woman to become a member of the Cap Classique Producers Association.
“The House of BNG has been a passion project of mine for a long time. It’s no secret that champagne is my favourite drink, so getting the chance to make my own MCC was an opportunity I couldn’t miss out on!” says Bonang of her latest venture.
Known as the “Champagne Queen”, Bonang made a specific decision to make an MCC with Cape grapes rather than a champagne (made from region-specific French grapes) and the House of BNG (which is an acronym for Bonang) was born.
“We have some of the world’s best grapes here in South Africa and so I decided to make a MéthodeCap Classique wine – which is made in exactly the same way as champagne but using Cape grapes. This is my love letter to Africa and I’m excited to introduce it to the world.”
The Riboville Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg was the site chosen to introduce House of BNG to the world. Inspired by a glorious picnic in the Hamptons, guests were treated to all finest hospitality in celebration of an MCC that is sure to become a South African favourite. A bevy of South Africa’s elite guests including, Minister of Small Business Developement, Lindiwe Zulu, Jessica Nkosi, Nadia Nakai, Boity Thulo, Gert Johan Coetzee, Thembisa Mdoda, Luthando Shosha, Kefilwe Mabote, Khany Mbau, Cassper Nyovest and more turned out for the affair, adding an element of luxury and star power to a day already brimming with both.
Over two years in the making, the House of BNG involved the careful crafting of a truly unique blend by acclaimed Cape Wine Master Jeff Grier, selecting the finest grapes from across the renowned Stellenbosch wine-producing region. To suit her taste preferences, Bonang also collaborated in the creative process, from advising on the balance between bitter and sweet to the size of the bubbles.
“Creating not one, but two products that would carry Bonang’s name was always going to be a challenge, but working so closely with her over the two year period has been a magical journey. Taking cues from Bonang herself, the Brut Roséand Brut MCCs embody her spirit of vibrancy and optimism from their colour through to the bouquet and palate. It was wonderful to work with someone who knows exactly what she wants.” says Jeff Grier.
The MéthodeCap Classique (MCC) refers to the method by which hand harvested Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes are transformed into bottle-fermented bubbly. Harvested early to ensure low sugars, good acidity and healthy fruit, the grapes undergo double fermentation: a process that ensures the natural occurrence of bubbles and which also imparts the products’ distinct flavours.
The House of BNG Brut and Brut Roséwill initially be available exclusively at select Woolworths stores nationwide and on Woolworths online, following which it will also be released in other retail stores.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
MORE ABOUT HOUSE OF BNG
The House of BNG is Bonang Matheba’s first foray into her own brand of luxury beverages. Established in 2017, over a period of two years, the brand’s first two products – a Brut Roséand Brut MCC – have been released to market, with a Reserve MCC and Sparkling Wine to be added to the range at a later stage. Timeless elegance, a passion for MCC wines and the terroirfrom which they are born are the hallmarks of the House of BNG – destined to become an iconic South African luxury beverage brand.
House of BNG Brut Rosé
The vibrant effervescent House of BNG Brut Roséembodies the passion and charm of South Africa’s darling, Bonang Matheba. Bursting from the hills of Stellenbosch’s most famed wine producing farms, the bounty of the region is transformed by expert consultant and Cape Wine Master, Jeff Grier.
Hand harvested to ensure minimal bruising, the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grape varieties are blended in age old French techniques that develop the flavours and naturally occurring bubbles to deliver a product of ultimate elegance and sophistication. In this Brut Rosé, the assemblage – art and science of combining the three grape varieties – is enlivened by the addition of red wine, creating a fruitful bouquet and a blush pink colour palette, exuding romance and sensuality.
House of BNG Brut
Strong, complex and unmistakable, the House of BNG Brut takes a long heritage, steeped in the French technique and brings to life the labour of decades. In a collaboration between Wine Master Jeff Grier and one of South Africa’s most beloved personalities, Bonang Matheba, the pair have created a sensational brut that entices from the first sip.
Favouring the discerning palette, the Brut is a dry MCC that delivers all the complexity and flavour one would expect from the gold standard and wine masters’ favourite. As the bubbles shimmer and dance atop the golden flute, the Brut invites you into a world of celebration. Reward your senses and indulge your desires with this elegant new offering.
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