Manny O Wines: Let’s drink to that!

Dionysus is the Greek god of wine. He was called Bacchus by the Romans. The grapevine is one of his symbols. It is said that Dionysus had two extreme personalities. He can transform from bringing ecstasy and relaxation into causing bitterness and fury (Wikipedia). Dionysus embodies the nature of wine which, when used rationally, can be pleasurable and good for the heart but, if taken carelessly, can result to negative effects.

Wine has a rich and flavorful history with its earliest known production dating back to around 6,000 BC in Georgia. In the Balkans, the first wine production was unearthed at an archaeological site in Macedonia around 4,500 BC, while the world’s oldest known winery was discovered in Areni-1 cave located in Armenia (Wikipedia).

I enjoy the exquisite taste of wine, especially when paired with the right kind of food. I was truly ecstatic when my good friend, wine lover and collector, Manny Osmeña, gave me boxes of his award-winning wines last holiday season. It would be a shame not to have the chance to drink the sparkling Manny O Wines, which is famous for its elegant and sophisticated taste.

Manny O Wines has received numerous awards at such events as the New York International Wine Competition, San Francisco International Wine Competition, Japan Wine Challenge 2012, Korea Wine Challenge 2012 and Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

Manny O has a wide array of wines to choose from depending on your mood and the occasion. Manny O says, “Wine is aromatherapy to the mouth and to the soul… sophistication not intoxication.”

Here’s Manny O describing his favorite wine collection:

“Bibulus — Medoc Cru Bourgeois is a traditional Bordeaux style red of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blend, aged 12 months in American oak barriques. It has an intense color with ruby tint, a soft and appealing balance of new wood and ripe berry aromas, notes of licorice, vanilla and ‘pain grille’ silky, refined tannins and a multi-layered finish that lasts.

“Discipulus Syrah is a special production wine of the high quality potential of the emerging Languedoc region, South of France. A Syrah is produced from old vines planted in the stony soils on the windswept hills of the French Mediterranean coast. Low yield ensures excellent concentration of ripe, smoky blackberry fruits and a seductive inky robe. Fresh and fruity, floral and with a touch spicy, the Discipulus Syrah is easy-going, friendly and adaptable; the well-integrated soft tannins make the wine go very well with Asian dishes and meats — grilled or with moderate sauces. It is a great party wine, too.

“On the other hand, Discipulus Blanc is an elegant vintage white wine handcrafted in the Languedoc region, south of France. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Colombard and Petit Muscat, it is fragrant, suggesting white flowers, citrus and refreshing on the nose, yet gives a warm creamy mid-palate of toffee and butterscotch. It can be paired very well with most Asian dishes and perfect for parties.

“The Sumiller is a single varietal wine produced from over 40-year-old Monastrell vines from the Spanish region of Yecla. It has an intense dark cherry color, projecting fragrant aromas of mature red and blue fruits, hints of chocolate on the finish adding to the elegant sweet tannins. It pairs well with red meats and Asian dishes with expressive sauces.

“Agapitos Branco — On initial approach, thoughts of tropical fruits prevailed — pineapple, hints of mangoes and honey, evolving into citrus fruits; its refreshing soft acidity integrates nicely with a satin-like palate; has good structure; and is well-balanced. From local varietals of Alentejo: Antao Vaz, Roupeiro and Perrum.

“Agapitos Rose delivers colorful tutti frutti candies with lively aromas, suggesting fresh raspberries, cranberries and cherries with hint of roses; it’s crisp and refreshing on the palate extending to the finish. It’s a blend of Aragonez, Alfrocheiro and Castelao varietals from the Alentejo region of Portugal.

“Not to be missed is the Celebrus wine. About one century before the Champagne Region produced the famous ‘Bubbly,’ Benedictine nuns from the Abbey of St. Hilaire, a neighboring village of Limoux, accidentally created the first sparkling wine in the world, the Blanquette de Limoux. Celebrus is the expression of lightness and elegance with creamy ‘fino’ bubbles, floral aromas and peach. Long and refreshing finish carrying notes of brioche, overripe pineapple and apricots.”

(For details on Manny O Wines, you can log on to www.MannyOWines.com or email [email protected]. You can call [632] 799-7777 and [6332] 492-7788, or fax [6332] 492-7799.)