The team at MAN Vintners has brought us a selection of wines mainly from Paarl, South Africa called Tormentoso, recognizable by a sea creature on their label—based on the sea monsters once used on ancient explorers’ maps that symbolized danger and the unknown, but also just used for a cool decoration.

ABC has picked up all five wines that make up the Tormentoso line—let’s start with the only white of the bunch, Old Vine Chenin Blanc. It is sourced from a 33 year old, dry farmed, bush vine vineyard in Paarl and 40% barrel fermented in new barrels, with 5 months on lees. Winemaker Francois Bezuidenhout  told us when we sat down to chat about his new wines that this one in particular is very crisp, with natural acidity. It has intense aromas of apricots and canned white peaches with touches of coconut cream. The palate is packed with ripe yellow fruit and other tropical flavors. Jokingly, Francois told us the Chenin Blanc was his “favorite white” of the group.

The Syrah & Mouvèdre is considered the flagship wine of their collection. This one is 93% Syrah and 7% Mouvèdre, also from the wine origin of Paarl, and Francois was also caught saying it was “the best in the range.”  The Syrah & Mouvèdre is intensely aromatic, with some aromas of orange-peel, leather, cigar tobacco, black liquorice and dark-plummy fruit. The finish shows typical black wine gum flavors rounded out by soft, juicy tannins.

The Mouvèdre is what Francois calls a “special item for them,” as well as a “looked after gem of a block.” This wine, also from Paarl, is a blend of 85% Mouvèdre and 15% Syrah. It has a complex nose of berry fruit that is complemented by Flynbos (heather/bracken) and spice aromas. The palate is layered with flavors of cloves, leathery spice and red fruit. It has a dry and savory finish.

The only wine from the Tormentoso line not 100% from Paarl is their Cabernet Sauvignon, partially blended with grapes from the coastal region. This has classic cabernet cassis with tobacco aromas and when asked which of the five would be his favorite if he had to choose, Francois said it would be this Cabernet.

But what South African line of wines be complete without a good Pinotage? The pinotage grape is South Africa’s signature varietal, and one that has recently been gaining more popularity. The Tormentoso Pinotage has a rich concentration of red fruits and is aged in new American oak barrels for 15 months. This aging gives it a hint of vanilla and coconut to complement the red fruits.

Be on the lookout for the Tormentoso wines. This Direct to You wine will hit ABC shelves this summer!

Cheers!

Hannah and Meghan