Inspired by Antonio Manoel de Vilhena, a Portuguese nobleman who was the 66th Prince and Grand Master of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. He was a benevolent and sophisticated man, popular with the Maltese people, and mostly remembered for the founding of Floriana, the construction of Fort Manoel and the Manoel Theatre, and the renovation of the city of Mdina.
This opulent blend of Merlot (60%) with Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) typically conveys cassis, strawberry and other red forest-fruit both on the nose as well as on its palate, with undertones of chocolate and caramel. The complexity and intensity of this wine tends to vary from year to year depending on the extent the weather permits the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to ripen, given that they are the last to mature before the typical September storms in Malta.
The Merlot vines were mostly planted between 2003 and 2007 while the Cabernet Sauvignon were planted in 2003. The yield is restricted to up to 1.6kg per vine.
This wine is best stored and served at a temperature of 18°C and complements poultry, rabbit, and lightly spiced dark meats such as lamb, as well as salmon and tuna.
From the experimental vintages dating back since 2006, it is not unreasonable to expect this wine to age at least 10 years, in some exceptional years twenty or more. Circa 9,000 bottles are produced annually depending on yield and weather conditions. Decanting one hour prior to consumption is recommended.
Owners' Tasting Notes
Bring out the strawberry baskets!… the bouquet of this wine reminds me that they are in season as I write these notes. The flirtatious fruit of this vintage drunk so young may mask the depth and complexity therein.
This vintage (14% alcohol by volume) promises significant ageing potential and will add layer upon layer of complexity in time. Whilst the Merlot dominates the nose at this young age, the structure given by the Cabernet Sauvignon is what will give this vintage legs.
Roast rack of lamb medium to rare served like lollypops-on-a-stick, rabbit, quail, tuna perfectly seared with a course-ground pepper crust, a platter of cold cuts, grilled aubergine and summer vegetable risotto all come to mind as I sip and enjoy…
Vintage: Antonio Manoel 2017
Tasting: May 2019
Tasted by: Juanito Camilleri, Estate Owner
Sommelier's Tasting Notes
The wine shows round and elegant black-fruit aromas such as blackcurrant and blackberries as well as hints of dark chocolate. The palate is velvety with soft tannins, great balance between oak and alcohol. Long aftertaste.
Vintage: Antonio Manoel 2017
Tasting: June 2019
Tasted by: Fabien Etienne, Sommelier & Wine and Services Consultant
Falstaff’s Tasting Notes
Dark ruby red in colour. The nose is fleshy and slightly animalistic before opening to reveal notes of cranberry confit, dark chocolate, fine oak and truffle. The juicy palate has polished tannins and ripe berry fruit, and is well balanced with a nice length, drink now.
Vintage: Antonio Manoel 2017
Rating: 93 points
Tasting: Online Tasting Italien 6/2022
Tasted by: Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Deep, dark ruby red in colour. Initially slightly resinous on the nose, before opening up to reveal notes of Mediterranean herbs, lots of ripe dark berries, fleshy undertones, dried tomatoes and summer truffles. The palate is tightly meshed, a well-balanced interplay of polished tannins, juiciness, and magnificent dark berry fruit. A wine of great finesse and length.
Vintage: Antonio Manoel 2018
Rating: 94 points
Tasting: Online Tasting Italien 6/2022
Tasted by: Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
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Read Moreour roots, Passion & Vision
Ta’ Betta Wine Estate comprises of 4 hectares of terraced land situated circa 200 metres above sea-level in an area known as the Contrada ta’ Brija in Girgenti limits of Siġġiewi, Malta.
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