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 Rosé Méthode Cap 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 bottle of 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 Méthode Cap 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 the 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 Development, Lindiwe Zulu, Maps Maponyane, Somizi, Jessica Nkosi, Nadia Nakai, Boity Thulo, Gert Johan Coetzee, Rich Mnisi , Luthando Shosha, Kefilwe Mabote, Khanyi Mbau, Pinky Girl 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 Rosé and 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 Méthode Cap 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 Rosé will initially be available exclusively at select Woolworths stores nationwide and on Woolworths online, following which it will also be released in other retail stores.
