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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

New spicy Vernissage - more fine wine art from Holden Manz in Franschhoek




An exciting year of promising wine releases awaits wine lovers at Holden Manz, where Vernissage 2012 has just made its debut as a seductive preview of things to come for this trendy Franschhoek wine estate.

Boasting a dark deep centre with a bright red edge, Vernissage 2012 is a beautiful collaboration of the typical characteristics of the two grape varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The nose teems with berry flavours and black fruit typical of Cabernet Sauvignon, whilst the Shiraz lends upfront spice and dark cherries.

Meticulous grape selection and minimal man-made impact to preserve the true varietal characters are the hallmark of winemaker Schalk Opperman’s new red at Holden Manz.

The individual varieties selected from distinct parcels of vineyards in varying soil types were bunch and berry sorted, crushed and destalked prior to fermentation with very few interventions in the cellar to ensure varietal integrity. The winemaking team, in collaboration with enthusiastic owners Gerard Holden and Migo Manz, went to great lengths to finalise the blend after numerous careful trials and test tastings of the different batches.

The result is a superbly balanced, multi-layered, spicy and fruity wine with the various components adding great complexity and wonderful intricacy to the wine.

“The wine has beautiful ripe, soft and chewy tannins with good balance and a soft and lingering finish,” says Schalk, who recommends enjoying Vernissage 2012 with slow cooked lamb stew with rich tomato herb and garlic sauce, haricots vert and grilled polenta.

Vernissage 2012 is available at selected fine wine shops and sells for R60 at the Holden Manz cellar door.

The Holden Manz tasting room is open daily from 10h00 to 17h00. Holden Manz Wine Estate offers a spectacular setting for weddings. For more information or bookings, phone 021-876 2738. Visit Holden Manz on Facebook or Holden Manz To reach Holden Manz, turn right at the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek and follow the signs for two kilometres. 
GPS coordinates: Latitude: 33° 56’ 7” S; Longitude: 19° 6’ 54” E.