House Of BNG Prestige Reserve – Bonang Matheba’s Premium MCC

BNG Prestige Reserve is the ultimate luxury offering from House of BNG, South Africa’s premier sparkling wine brand created by media personality Bonang Matheba. Unveiled in February 2020 at the Sun Met, this flagship Méthode Cap Classique represents the pinnacle of South African sparkling wine excellence. Crafted in collaboration with acclaimed Cape Wine Master Jeff Grier, BNG Prestige Reserve delivers opulence with a rich and creamy nose, mature sweetness, and refreshing taste. This bold and complex bottle-fermented bubbly exudes sophistication and luxury, from its black exterior sleeve with gold honeycomb symbols to its embossed gold details.

Key Facts:

Brand: House of BNG Prestige Reserve
Type: Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) Sparkling Wine
Creator: Bonang Matheba (“Queen B”)
Winemaker: Jeff Grier (Cape Wine Master)
Origin: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Launch: February 2020 at Sun Met
ABV: 11-12% (typical for premium MCC)
Bottle Size: 750ml
Style: Luxury flagship MCC

When it comes to celebrating in true Mzansi style, nothing screams sophistication like popping a bottle of BNG Prestige Reserve. This isn’t your everyday bubbly – it’s the crème de la crème of South Africa’s MCC scene, and it’s got Queen B’s signature all over it, bru!

History

The House of BNG Journey

BNG Prestige Reserve launched in February 2020 at the Sun Met, South Africa’s richest horse race, following the success of the House of BNG’s original Brut and Brut Rosé MCCs that debuted in 2019. The brand journey began even earlier:

House of BNG Timeline:

2017: Brand established, product development begins
March 2019: Official launch of Brut and Brut Rosé MCCs
2019: Bonang becomes first black woman in Cap Classique Producers Association
February 2020: Prestige Reserve launched at Sun Met – the flagship innovation
October 2020: BNG Nectar range launched (sparkling wine in a can)

Bonang’s Vision

Created by media personality Bonang Matheba in collaboration with acclaimed Cape Wine Master Jeff Grier, House of BNG represents Bonang’s “love letter to Africa.” Known as the “Champagne Queen,” Bonang made history as the first black woman to become a member of the prestigious 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.

Bonang made a specific decision to make an MCC with Cape grapes rather than champagne (made from region-specific French grapes). “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.”

The brand quickly became the country’s favoured celebration partner – from the Presidential Inauguration to Miss SA, solidifying its position as South Africa’s go-to luxury bubbly. The Prestige Reserve represents the ultimate in luxury beverages, designed for those who appreciate only the finest MCC.

Production Method

Craftsmanship Excellence

BNG Prestige Reserve is a bold and complex bottle-fermented bubbly developed using the traditional Méthode Cap Classique method, employing age-old French techniques. Over two years in the making, Jeff Grier carefully crafted this truly unique blend, selecting the finest grapes from across the renowned Stellenbosch wine-producing region.

Production Specifications:

Method: Méthode Cap Classique (traditional champagne method)
Winemaker: Jeff Grier (Cape Wine Master)
Region: Stellenbosch wine farms
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
Harvesting: Hand harvested to ensure minimal bruising
Technique: Age-old French techniques with extended lees contact

The Traditional Process

Hand-picked healthy grapes are gently pressed to extract only the cuvée – the best quality juice. Before blending, the Chardonnay is fermented in used oak barrels for extra complexity and sophistication. Thereafter Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are added to the blend, followed by extended lees contact which rounds off this vibrant offering.

This luxury MCC has been on the lees for several years, resulting in a rich, creamy, yeasty nose with a refreshing mouthfeel balanced by an impression of mature sweetness. The result? A seduction for the senses in every detail – from the bubbles to the taste, colour and sophisticated label.

“It’s been a magical journey working with Bonang. Taking cues from Bonang herself, the MCCs embody her spirit of vibrancy and optimism, from bouquet to palate,” says Jeff Grier.

Alcohol Percentage

BNG Prestige Reserve contains approximately 11-12% ABV (alcohol by volume), which is standard for premium Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wines. This moderate alcohol content makes it perfect for extended celebrations without knocking you flat before dessert arrives, boet!

As an MCC sparkling wine, BNG Prestige Reserve follows traditional champagne-style fermentation methods, resulting in this balanced alcohol level that allows the complex flavours to shine through while maintaining elegance and drinkability.

Number of Calories

Looking to keep it tight while still living your best life? Here’s the calorie breakdown for BNG Prestige Reserve:

Calorie Information:

Per 100ml: Approximately 80 calories (for extra brut style at 12% ABV)
Per Standard Glass (150ml/5oz): Approximately 110-120 calories
Per Bottle (750ml): Approximately 600 calories total

These calorie counts are typical for premium brut sparkling wines with 11-12% ABV. Not too hectic when you’re splitting it between mates at a celebration! The moderate calorie content comes primarily from the alcohol, with minimal residual sugar as befits a quality brut MCC.

Pro tip: Like all sparkling wines, the calories in BNG Prestige Reserve are “empty calories” from alcohol, so enjoy responsibly and consider alternating with water to pace yourself during celebrations.

Tasting Notes

The Ultimate Sensory Experience

BNG Prestige Reserve delivers the ultimate in opulence with its seductive flavour profile:

On the Nose: Rich, creamy, and yeasty with an impression of mature sweetness. The extended lees contact creates complex aromas that invite you into a world of celebration.

On the Palate: Bold and complex with a refreshing mouthfeel. This vibrant offering balances richness with crisp acidity, delivering sophisticated layers of flavour with every sip.

Finish: Smooth, refined, and lingering with delicate elegance that captures excellence and global luxury.

Drinking Window: Powerful and rich to drink now, but it will continue to improve for up to 3 years from purchase – if you can resist popping it that long! As the bubbles shimmer and dance atop the golden flute, BNG Prestige Reserve invites you into a world of celebration.

The sophisticated packaging alone makes a statement: a black exterior sleeve featuring gold honeycomb symbols, bee and crown emblems, and embossed gold details – truly befitting South Africa’s luxury celebration partner.

Best Served With

Food Pairing Recommendations

BNG Prestige Reserve pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, making it ideal for any celebration:

Seafood & Sushi:

Shellfish (oysters, prawns, crayfish)
Fresh sushi and sashimi
Smoked salmon
Grilled calamari

Poultry Dishes:

Roasted chicken
Turkey
Duck confit
Chicken schnitzel

Cheese Selections:

Creamy Brie
Camembert
Triple cream varieties
Aged cheddar

Celebrations: Because sometimes the occasion IS the pairing! Perfect as an aperitif or for toasting life’s special moments.

Serving Suggestions:

Temperature: Serve well-chilled at 6-8°C for optimal enjoyment
Preparation: Keep in fridge for at least 3 hours, or pop in ice bucket for 30 minutes
Glassware: Use champagne flutes or tulip glasses to preserve bubbles
Cocktails: Both elegant enough for formal occasions and versatile for cocktails

Turn every location into a vibrant, stylish occasion with BNG Prestige Reserve!

Where to Buy

National Retailers

BNG Prestige Reserve is available at premium retailers across South Africa, making it accessible whether you’re in Jozi, the Mother City, Durban, or anywhere in between.

Available at:

Woolworths – Available in-store and online (exclusive partner for House of BNG)
Makro – Selected premium stores
Checkers – Premium Checkers locations

Online Retailers

Takealot – Delivered straight to your door
Norman Goodfellows – Speciality liquor retailer with expert selection
Yuppiechef – For the foodie who loves premium bubbly
Mother City Liquor – Cape Town favourite with premium selection
Decanter Liquor – Online premium wine specialists

The House of BNG range was initially exclusive to Woolworths, where it sold out both online and in-store within the first week of launch – testament to South Africa’s love for this proudly local luxury brand!

Prices

Current Pricing (2024-2025)

BNG Prestige Reserve Pricing:

750ml Bottle: R799 (standard retail price)
Positioning: Premium luxury MCC category

House of BNG Range Pricing for Reference:

BNG Brut MCC (750ml): Pricing varies by retailer
BNG Brut Rosé MCC (750ml): Pricing varies by retailer
BNG Nectar Range (4-pack of 250ml cans): R199 at Woolworths

The BNG Prestige Reserve commands a premium price point at R799 per bottle, reflecting its flagship status, extended aging on lees, premium grape selection, and luxury packaging. This positions it as the ultimate splurge for special occasions, milestones, or when you want to treat yourself to something properly boujee.

Note: Pricing may vary by retailer and location. Some retailers may offer promotional pricing during special occasions. Contact retailers directly for current availability and pricing in your area.

The investment is worth it for weddings, anniversaries, promotions, or any celebration where you want to make a lasting impression. With its sophisticated black and gold packaging, BNG Prestige Reserve makes the perfect gift for someone special – or for yourself when you deserve the best!

Frequently Asked Questions About BNG Prestige Reserve

What is BNG Prestige Reserve and what does BNG stand?

BNG Prestige Reserve is the flagship luxury Méthode Cap Classique from House of BNG, launched in February 2020. BNG is an acronym for Bonang (Bonang Matheba’s name). The Prestige Reserve represents the pinnacle of the House of BNG range, crafted using traditional French methods with extended aging for ultimate sophistication.

Who created BNG Prestige Reserve?

BNG Prestige Reserve is created by Bonang Matheba in collaboration with acclaimed Cape Wine Master Jeff Grier. Bonang, known as the “Champagne Queen,” became the first black woman to join the prestigious Cap Classique Producers Association in 2019. Jeff Grier selects the finest grapes from Stellenbosch wine farms and employs age-old French techniques to craft this exceptional MCC.

What makes BNG Prestige Reserve different from regular BNG Brut?

BNG Prestige Reserve has been aged on the lees for several years (longer than the standard Brut), resulting in more complexity, a richer and creamier nose, and mature flavours. It features premium packaging with a black exterior sleeve, gold honeycomb symbols, bee and crown emblems, and embossed gold details. The Prestige Reserve is the ultimate in luxury beverages, positioned as the flagship innovation of the House of BNG range.

What is Méthode Cap Classique (MCC)?

Méthode Cap Classique is South African sparkling wine made using the traditional champagne method. MCC is made in exactly the same way as champagne but using Cape grapes rather than French grapes. The method involves secondary fermentation in the bottle, creating natural bubbles and complex flavours through extended contact with the lees (dead yeast cells).

How long can I keep an unopened bottle of BNG Prestige Reserve?

BNG Prestige Reserve is powerful and rich to drink now, but it will continue to improve for up to 3 years from purchase. Store it in a cool, dark place, lying on its side to keep the cork moist. The extended lees contact during production means this MCC has excellent aging potential.

What events has BNG Prestige Reserve been part of?

BNG Prestige Reserve was unveiled at the Sun Met in February 2020, South Africa’s richest horse race. The broader House of BNG range has become South Africa’s favoured celebration partner, featured at prestigious events including the Presidential Inauguration, Miss South Africa, SA Sports Awards, and the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

What food pairs best with BNG Prestige Reserve?

BNG Prestige Reserve pairs perfectly with shellfish, sushi, smoked salmon, and poultry dishes. The crisp acidity and complex flavours also complement creamy cheeses like Brie and Camembert. It’s elegant enough for formal dining yet versatile enough for casual celebrations.

Where can I buy BNG Prestige Reserve in South Africa?

BNG Prestige Reserve is available at Woolworths (exclusive partner for House of BNG), Makro, premium Checkers stores, and online retailers including Takealot, Norman Goodfellows, Yuppiechef, and Mother City Liquor. Availability may vary by location.

Is BNG Prestige Reserve worth the R799 price tag?

Absolutely, boet! You’re paying for extended aging (several years on lees), premium grape selection from Stellenbosch, traditional Méthode Cap Classique production, luxury packaging, and support for a proudly South African brand making waves internationally. The Prestige Reserve delivers sophistication and global luxury befitting special celebrations.

Can I buy BNG Prestige Reserve in bulk for events?

Yes! Contact retailers like Norman Goodfellows, Woolworths Corporate, or reach out to House of BNG directly for bulk orders and event catering options. BNG Prestige Reserve makes an impressive choice for weddings, corporate functions, and large celebrations.

What’s the difference between BNG Nectar and BNG Prestige Reserve?

BNG Nectar is a Demi-Sec (sweeter) sparkling wine in slim-line 250ml cans, perfect for on-the-go celebrations and outdoor adventures. BNG Prestige Reserve is a premium brut MCC in traditional 750ml bottles, aged for several years, delivering complex mature flavours and ultimate luxury. Both are true sparkling wines, not spritzers.

Is BNG Prestige Reserve environmentally friendly?

While traditional glass bottles have a larger carbon footprint than the innovative BNG Nectar cans, BNG Prestige Reserve uses premium recyclable glass. House of BNG demonstrates environmental consciousness particularly with the Nectar range, which features fully recyclable cans with smaller carbon footprints than glass bottles.

BNG Prestige Reserve represents more than luxury sparkling wine – it’s a celebration of African excellence, female entrepreneurship, and South African winemaking heritage. Bonang’s “love letter to Africa” continues innovating the MCC category while honouring traditional champagne methods with Cape grapes.

Whether you’re toasting a promotion, celebrating a wedding, marking a milestone, or just because it’s Friday and you’ve earned it, BNG Prestige Reserve is the bubbly that turns moments into memories. Pop it with pride, Mzansi!

House of BNG – A Love Letter to Africa.

Enjoy responsibly. Not for sale to persons under 18.