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00:00 – INTRO
00:14 – WHO IS WINEMAKER KOEN ROOSE?
01:10 – THE BIRTH OF SPIOENKOP ESTATE
01:26 – UNDERSTANDING THE SPIOENKOP BRAND
01:53 – SPIOENKOP CELEBRATES SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN IN HISTORY
02:47 – MMANTHATHISI: THE QUEEN OF THE WILD CAT PEOPLE
04:08 – WHAT DOES THE QUEEN MMANTHATHISI WHITE BLEND SMELL AND TASTE LIKE?
05:35 – WHERE DOES THE FRUIT COME FROM?
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Queen MmaNthatisi was a warrior from the BaSia tribe, who became ruler of the Batlokwa Tribe. Her military exploits as the leader of her tribe saw her go down in history as one of the most powerful female military leaders of the 19th century.

And what does she have to do with wine? Well, nothing, aside from the fact that she is one of handful of powerful female historical figures who have inspired winemaker Koen Roose – the owner, viticulturist and winemaker for Spioenkop wines in Elgin.

The Queen MnaNthatisi white blend is a bit of playground for Koen, who shifts up the components a fair bit from year to year. This 2018 vintage is dominated by Sauvignon Blanc, not that you’d ever guess that when drinking it.

If you haven’t yet signed up for your Monthly HanDrinksSolo Wine Subscription then you won’t be able to taste what I’m talking about, But until you find a bottle of your own, I have included my tasting notes and some technical specs.

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👃🏼 – The nose is more prominent than the skeg on an elephant seal. Notes of leesy, creamy lemon curd, apricot, waxy honeycomb, smoky flint, and citrus rind.

👄 – The palate is tightly packed with intense lime cordial and fresh oranges, as well a touch of sweeter stone fruit. There are some lovely bitter almond elements on the finish, kept company by the ever-intense lime marmalade notes that lingers quite remarkably.

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🔬 – Wine of Origin Elgin. 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 23% Riesling and 7% Chenin Blanc. The Riesling and Chenin blanc is barrel-matured for 9 months.