Drop of the Day – Man O’ War Estate Island Blend
A perennial favourite among wine lovers, the Man O’ War Estate Island Blend is a Bordeaux style wine comprising Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.
These grapes are sourced from both Waiheke and Ponui Islands, hence the name ‘Island Blend’. 2022 was an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux style varieties, thanks to a hot, dry, and extended growing season. The result is a full-bodied wine, rich and warm with layers of red and black fruit flavours and soft, ripe tannin.
The largest parcel of fruit for the 2022 Island Blend comes from the Paradise ‘Outback’ vineyard on Ponui Island, a steep, hillside vineyard planted to Cabernet Franc and Merlot. These vineyards are possibly the only ones in the world so remote they can only be accessed in certain tides. The remaining Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec is sourced from Estate Vineyards on Waiheke Island.
Balanced and approachable, the Island Blend rewards early drinking but has serious aging potential.
Recommended dish Parings
The juicy Merlot characteristics work well with dishes like our Spiced Red Wine-braised Duck Legs, Roast Beef with Glazed Beetroot and Horseradish Sauce, or our Mushroom Gnocchi with Brie.
About Man O’ War
Located at the Eastern End of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War spans 4,500 acres of remote coastal land with high cliffs and pristine beaches. Each of the 75 individual vineyard sites have been carefully selected for the unique and exceptional qualities they bring to the wines.
White grape varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, are planted high on hilltops to benefit from the cooling sea breezes, enhancing their concentration and minerality. Meanwhile, red varieties, including Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, thrive on the steep, sheltered clay hillsides, which provide optimal heat and drainage, resulting in wines of remarkable intensity and depth.
Their beachfront restaurant and cellar door are open year-round, conveniently accessible by Explore Ferry (90 minutes from Auckland CBD) or coach. For bookings and more details, visit their website.
The Estate Island Blend is available to purchase online at manowar.co.nz.
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www.manowar.co.nz
Instagram: @manowarwine
Facebook: @ManOWarVineyards
latest issue:
126
We start by sharing what’s on the dish team’s radar, what we’re watching, listening to and reading. Harry Butterfield puts a twist on his Nonna’s agnolotti, Malissa Fedele reminds us of the importance of fibre, and Phoebe Holden fulfils a long-held dream, sitting down with Yotam Ottolenghi. Autumn is an abundant time, we make the most with pumpkin, kūmara, cabbage, cauliflower, feijoas, apples and pears. We’re dishing up dinners for two, including a Chicken Dumpling Lasagne, alongside easy weeknight meals. We honour our mums, revisit timeless classics, and add a little baking challenge. This issue, we encourage you to slow down, to enjoy writing your shopping list, and spending time in the kitchen. Because even when life feels relentless, there’s always space to share something delicious.