Holden Manz, the
magnificent boutique wine estate in the Franschhoek valley, has launched its
first white wine – a vibrant, palate pleasing 2012 Chardonnay.
The Holden Manz
Chardonnay 2012 is a welcome newcomer to this relatively young wine estate
which has already made its mark as a formidable red wine producer.
Teeming with
pronounced citrus fruit on the nose, this Chardonnay with its naturally fresh
mineral and crisp palate, rewards with a lingering aftertaste.
Winemaker Schalk
Opperman, who joined Holden Manz in 2011, achieved exactly what he set out to
do with Holden Manz’s first white wine, by crafting a Chardonnay in a more
accessible, mineral and less wooded style than the Chardonnays South Africans
have become accustomed to.
He selected grapes
from cool Elgin vineyards for his Chardonnay and used both new and old French
Oak barrels in equal parts for fermentation. The wine was left to mature in the
same barrels for a further 10 months with a small portion undergoing malolactic
fermentation. This measured approach to oak contact coupled with careful
stirring of the lees ensured optimal mid palate development. The result is a
Chardonnay in a crisper style with just enough buttery fullness without being
too rich or portly on the palate.
“Our 2012 Chardonnay
is an excellent choice with salmon, seafood and poultry. I would definitely
recommend enjoying it with friends on sunny afternoons,” says Schalk.
Holden Manz Chardonnay
2012 sells for R160 at the cellar door but stocks are limited as only
3 000 bottles have been produced of the maiden vintage.
So don’t wait too
long to pop in for a tasting at this Franschhoek boutique estate.
· 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, www.holdenmanz.com or follow @HoldenManz on Twitter. 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.
