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Written by 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 after taste.
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.
Holden Manz launches first white wine with vibrant Chardonnay ,
