2022 MAN Family Chardonnay

91% Chardonnay, 6% Viognier and 3% Muscat d’Alexandrie, all  dry-farmed sustainabley from vineyards in the Agter-Paarl region. Approximately 50% bush vine (untrellised) and 50% trellised vineyards. Fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks (±80%) and American & French oak (±20%). To preserve freshness, the tank fermented portion had no malolactic fermentation. Barrel maturation with lees stirring for 3 months. Tank maturation for 6 months. After 6 months, both portions are blended together before bottling. 13.0% alcohol. 

Great value on this delicate balancing act of crisp and zesty fruit, a smooth mouthfeel and subtle oak flavors. This elegant wine appeals not only to seasoned chardonnay drinkers, but also to those looking for a fresh interpretation of the classic varietal. Pale straw color. Aromas of pineapple, orange marmalade and butterscotch. On the palate, zesty lime, lemon and white peach. Body is crisp and fresh, medium texture on the palate, with a creamy mouthfeel.

MAN Family Wines is one of the great South African success stories — and fittingly, it started with a promise. Three friends (José Conde and brothers Ty and Philip Myburgh) wanted to make high-quality, everyday-priced wines from the Cape that could compete with anything in the world. But they also wanted to make sure their wives were on board, so they named the winery after them — Marie, Anette, and Nicky. A bold move, and one that guaranteed the wines would be made with care, consistency, and zero nonsense.

They source fruit from dry-farmed bush vines across the Agter-Paarl and Coastal Region — farmers they’ve worked with for years, many of whom have old vines that were virtually unknown outside South Africa until this generation of winemakers came along. MAN’s ethos is simple: great fruit, minimal manipulation, honest farming, and wines that dramatically overdeliver for the price. In a world where “value wines” often taste exactly like value wines, MAN continues to prove that delicious, character-filled bottles don’t have to cost a fortune.