Holden Manz Big G 2009

The Holden Manz wine estate nestles above the Franschhoek valley between the Franschhoek and Stonybrook rivers and for its backdrop has the magnificent Franschhoek Mountain range. The farm comprises 22 hectares of fertile soils, perfect for producing excellent red wines.

Holden Manz

The rich dark loam on the estate are where the red grape varieties are grown for the production of their range of fine red wines as well as a rosé made from Cabernet Sauvignon. Cultivars planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Shiraz which are used to produce their single variety wines as well as their flagship red blend, The Big G.

The Big G 2009 is a 50-50 blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon and named after Holden Manz’s co owner, Gerard Holden, a former chemical engineer and mining financier.

Winemaker, Schalk Opperman, describes the wine as an explosion of berry fruits and soft ripe tannins, creating a wonderfully balanced blend.

“The Cabernet Franc, with its rich intensity of black fruit flavour and acid, along with the balanced tannins and depth of fruit in the Cabernet Sauvignon results in a deeply complex and unique wine.

“The finish lingers – the hallmark of a fine wine. When cellared correctly, this wine will be an exciting drinking experience for the next 10 years.”

We opened the wine on the weekend and agree with Schalk’s comments about the Big G. However I also noted a delicious rich and silky mid-palate of ripe blackcurrants as well as a savouriness which encourages the wine to be enjoyed with food.

We had prepared roast chicken with a rich sauce for dinner and found the Big G had the correct weight for the food which meant several glasses were consumed during the evening!

Expect to pay: R150.00