Franschhoek estate making wild yeast reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, plus purchased Chenin Blanc.
The producer
Holden Manz Wine Estate began in 2010 when Gerard Holden and Migo Manz took over a vineyard in the southern Franschhoek Valley. The property grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot, while its white wines use purchased grapes. Small tanks support separate fermentations, and the open plan barrel cellar allows individual attention to each barrel. Red wines are double sorted, cold soaked and fermented with wild yeast before oak ageing and tank rest. Solar panels have reduced energy consumption.
Known for
Wild yeast Franschhoek red wines
Notable facts
The estate occupies 22 hectares, with 16 hectares under vine.
Gerard Holden and Migo Manz founded Holden Manz Wine Estate in 2010.
A 65 kW solar installation has reduced the estate's energy consumption.
Small tanks allow separate small batch fermentations, while the open plan barrel cellar allows individual barrel attention.
Visionaire 2014 received a gold medal and 94 points at the 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards.
From the atlas
Holden Manz
Franschhoek estate combining estate grown red grapes with purchased Chenin Blanc and wild yeast red fermentations.
At A Glance
Fact
Detail
Estate
22 hectares, with 16 hectares under vine
Founders
Gerard Holden and Migo Manz, who founded the estate in 2010
Red grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot
White wine
Chenin Blanc made from purchased grapes
Award
Visionaire 2014 received a gold medal and 94 points at the 2020 Sommeliers Choice Awards
The Producer
Gerard Holden and Migo Manz took over a vineyard in 2010 and founded Holden Manz Wine Estate. Average winery production is about 100 tonnes of manually harvested grapes. Red fruit is double sorted before a cold soak of five to ten days, then fermented with wild yeast. After oak ageing, the red wines rest in tank for six months. Small tanks allow separate small batch fermentations, while the open plan barrel cellar allows individual attention to each barrel.
Place
At 300 metres above sea level, the estate sits in the southernmost corner of the Franschhoek Valley between the Franschhoek River and Stony Brook. The vineyard has three soil types and a strongly seasonal climate. Long, cold, wet winters let the vines rest, followed by hot, dry summers and a gentle autumn that slows ripening. Holden Manz seeks concentration and richness while retaining acidity and freshness.
Wines
The range includes two red wines and one white. Holden Manz Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 underwent a five day cold soak and natural fermentation before ageing for 18 months in French barriques, with 30 percent new wood and 70 percent second or third use. Visionaire 2018 combines Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and spends 22 months in barriques. Holden Manz Chenin Blanc 2022 is made entirely from Chenin Blanc. The bottles move from a Cabernet Sauvignon red to a four grape red blend and a single grape white.
In The Glass
Holden Manz Chenin Blanc 2022 has a clean, smoky, aromatic nose of citrus and apricot. It is just over medium bodied, with fresh acidity, a slightly viscous body and a harmonious finish. Visionaire 2018 brings soaked plums, blackberry conserve, blackcurrants, sweet tobacco, liquorice and vanilla, followed by velvety tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 smells of ripe blackberry, blueberry, clove and cassis, then turns powerful and dark fruited on the palate. Its finish is full and dry, with fine oak tones and soft tannins.
A Bottle To Understand It
Open Holden Manz Chenin Blanc 2022 first. It is entirely Chenin Blanc from purchased grapes sourced partly from the borderland between Stellenbosch and Paarl and partly from Paardeberg in southern Swartland. The bottle keeps the grape and its Cape source areas in view before the range moves to Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 and Visionaire 2018.
Final Word
Holden Manz joins a southern Franschhoek estate with purchased Chenin Blanc from the borderland between Stellenbosch and Paarl and from Paardeberg in southern Swartland. Its red wines use wild yeast, alongside a white wine made entirely from Chenin Blanc.