Description
The small town situated in the wine valley was founded in 1688 by French Huguenots, long before the valley offered gourmet dining, world- class wines and spa treatments! The fertile land and incredible scenery saw the small town spawn right in the centre of the Cape Winelands. The land was given to them by the Dutch government. The area was originally named “Olifantshoek” after the vast herds of elephants that roamed the area. The name was later changed to “le Coin Français” meaning “French Corner” and then finally to Franschhoek (Dutch for “French Corner”). Settlers at this time had begun cultivating their own farms, many of which are still around today and have the original farm houses on the property. Most of these original farms have grown into renowned wineries that we still observe in the town today. The Cape Dutch Architecture in the town is mostly unspoilt and restrictions have been put in place to preserve the original ambience of the buildings.
Holden Manz Visionaire 2012
Holden Manz Tasting Note
20% New French Oak 225L barrels. 80% 2nd and 3rd fill French Oak 225L barrels. 22 months aging before blending and bottling. These grapes were selected from distinct parcels with varying soil types. This complexity in growing has resulted in a wonderful intricacy in the wine. The grapes were picked at optimal ripeness to enable the correct balance between sugar and phenolic components. Individual varieties were bunch and berry sorted, crushed and destalked to tank. Fermentation was initiated after 3 day cold soaking. Minimal additions were made to preserve the true cultivar characters of the grapes and to minimize the man-made impact on the wine. After careful blending trials and numerous test tastings the final blend combined a variety of batches each contributing to make this a balanced, expressive and fruit driven wine.
VivinoTasting Note
Bordeaux blend with some added shiraz. Red brick color with rim. Delicate nose with red berries and spice. Palate exhibits strong tannins that hopefully will soften in a couple of years. Red fruit comes through on palate only lightly – because of the overpowering tannins.
VinexusTasting Note
Intense dark red colour with a bright edge. Brimming with red berry and mulberry flavours, with subtle notes of spicy white pepper and violets in early spring. Dollops of violets, spiced quince and tomato bredie, with whiffs of fynbos and herb garden on a hot sunny afternoon. The tannins are firm yet refined and exquisitely round off the aromas of spice and fresh plum.
Soho Wine Tasting Note
This is a blend of Cabernet and Merlot (collectively 75.9%) with the remainder made up of Shiraz, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, in that order. It was aged in French oak barrels for 22 months with 20% new barrels. The wines for the single wine were aged separately, blended and tasted before the final blend was chosen. It shows intense cocoa, blackcurrant and quince characteristics with a touch of herb, eucalyptus and violets. This is a charming wine that is ready to drink now but it will also keep for five to ten years after the vintage.
Awards
Decanter Commended
Top 100 SA Wines
