Suisun Valley is well known for the quality of its fruit orchards. It was recognized as a viticultural region by early settlers in the 1800. In 1982, it obtained appellation status as an American Viticultural Area, just after Napa Valley.
Upland soil and gravelly loam characterize the fan deposits of the Mankas Hills Vineyards. The soil deposited by the erosion of volcanic rocks in the west and cretaceous sandstones in the east is rich in minerals, quick draining and warm.
Mankas Hill Winery is a family-owned enterprise located in the upper Suisun Valley, just a few miles east of the southern slopes of the world-renowned Napa Valley. The owners of Mankas Hills Vineyards believe that great wines are made in the vineyard. Committed to quality in all aspects of wine making, they focus on growing ultra-premium grapes and crafting them into the highest quality wines through the combined talent of professional winemaking and the concept of "Virtual Winery" to convert premium grapes into distinctive wines. Working in partnership with selected Napa Valley Wineries they custom crush handpicked grapes from the mini-terroirs of the estate. Best practices are thus continuously assured in the vineyard and the winemaking process. The wines are nurtured to maturity in a mix of selected French, European and American oak barrels.
There are three wines in this portfolio:
Mankas Dry Rosé
This wine is crisp, fruity and invigorating with delicate layers of strawberry and melon. Flavors of oak and vanilla linger in your mouth as you enjoy the wine. The texture is refreshing with a distinctive mild astringency from the soft tannins.
This wine is an ideal accompaniment to fish, mild cheese, fruit and is a pleasant addition to any picnic.
The wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 2 years.
Vintage: 2005
Alcohol: 13.8%
UPC #: 894390000098
Mankas Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine is delicate in body and its big fruit profile lends itself to food without overpowering your meal. This wine helps bring out the pleasure in everyday life.
This wine is an ideal accompaniment to fish, pasta, or mild cheese and is a pleasant addition to any picnic or barbecue.
The wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for 2 to 3 years.
Vintage: 2003
Alcohol: 13.9%
UPC #: 894390000029
Awards and Ratings:
* Silver Medal at the 2005 San Francisco Wine Competition
* Bronze Medal at the 2006 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Contado Mankas Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2002 Contado Mankas Cabernet Sauvignon is dominated by the presence and power of the fruit. Aromas of cherry and raspberry pleasantly fill out the enjoyable nose of this wine. Upon looking deeper, spicy aromas of clove and cassis, and subtle hints of sweet peppers can be found. Flavors of cherry, red and black fruit coupled with silky soft tannins make this a very refined and well-balanced wine.
The wine is an ideal accompaniment to roasts, grilled beef and hearty pastas.
Enjoy the wine now but could develop nicely with cellaring for 4 to 5 years.
Vintage: 2004
Alcohol: 14.1%
UPC #: 894390000012
Awards and Ratings:
* Gold Medal at the 2005 Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition
* Silver Medal at the 2004 California State Fair Wine Competition
* Critics Award at the 2005 Critics Challenge
* Bronze Medal at the 2006 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
* Bronze Medal at the 2004 L.A. County Fair Wine Competition
* Bronze Medal at the 2004 Riverside International Wine Competition
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