More sophisticated look for Vin Doux

Bon Courage’s Blush Vin Doux sparkling wine had recently been gifted a “more sophisticated look” in celebration of its 30th anniversary.

Philip Viljoen, winemaker at Bon Courage, says the salmon pink-coloured bubbly was “born” when Bon Courage decided to use its flavoursome Muscat de Frontignan grapes, which up until then was only used to make fortified Red Muscadel, to create an elegant carbonated drink that can be enjoyed every day and at any occasion.

The Blush was the first of its kind back then, and over the years as more of this wine style became available, managed to maintain its position as an “all-time favourite”.

Viljoen ascribes this to the use of a relatively expensive winemaking technique that helps to ensure consistent high quality.

“Some wineries use juice as sweetener, whereas we use the grape concentrate. The concentrate is less diluted and the wine’s original aroma compounds are, therefore, more concentrated. We also try to replicate the taste each year, so consumers know what they get when buying the Blush.”

The grapes are harvested from a vineyard that thrives in fertile sandy river soil, with good drainage. Irrigation is used to manipulate the vineyards to produce small berries with intense colour and flavour.

The compounds responsible for the beautiful flavours in this wine are highly sensitive to oxidation and high temperatures, according to Vijoen. Hence, the grapes are harvested at 22°C balling sugar, in the cool early hours in February.

In the cellar, the juice is immediately separated from the skins to prevent an over-extraction of colour. The juice is fermented at 13°C in stainless steel tanks, with a combination of different yeast strains added to bring out a variety of flavours and add complexity. The residual sugars are increased before bottling and the wine is then carbonated.

According to the tasting notes, Blush bursts with stone fruit aromas, with gentle hints of Turkish delight and marshmallow and subtle suggestions of Muscat. It is crisp with a refreshing finish, and pairs well with any lightly spiced dishes. It can be enjoyed on its own, or used as a “Blush Mimosa” by adding berry juice to it. Bon Courage’s Blush Vin Doux is available from the cellar at R90 per bottle.

SUPPLIED Bon Courage’s Blush Vin Doux bursts with stone fruit aromas, with gentle hints of Turkish delight and marshmallow and subtle suggestions of Muscat.