Mano Negra, a bold red wine cuvée from the Palatinate
The Philipp Kuhn Mano Negra 2019 is a dry, powerful red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Blaufränkisch, aged for 17 months in barriques. Velvety, spicy, Mediterranean. Not a delicate sipper, but a red wine with character.
Philipp Kuhn Mano Negra 2019 is a dry, bold red wine cuvée from the Palatinate region. The name refers to the "black hand" the winemaker gets when mashing the intensely colored grapes. Let yourself be surprised by this Mediterranean-style wine, full of charm and velvetiness, which carries its origin right in its name.
Cherry, cassis, a hint of gingerbread
In the glass, the Mano Negra appears dark and dense. The nose offers aromas of cherry, cassis, and dried plum, accompanied by spicy herbs, pepper, and a touch of gingerbread.
On the palate, it is bold, velvety, and spicy, with perfectly integrated oak and vibrant acidity. At 13.5% vol and only 0.9 g/l residual sugar, it is thoroughly dry. A red wine with Mediterranean temperament that brings warmth to the glass.
The Cabernet provides structure and dark fruit, while the Blaufränkisch adds spice and freshness. Together, they create a cuvée that is powerful yet never heavy. It is precisely this balance that makes the Mano Negra so drinkable.
Grilled meat, game, and hearty pasta
The Mano Negra enjoys bold, savory cuisine. Grilled meat, pasta, and pizza, as well as a tender saddle of venison in a rich sauce, are its favorite companions.
Grilled lamb, game dishes, and robust pasta are natural pairings when served at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius. Its temperament effortlessly maintains tension against spicy sauces. For those wishing to taste more from the winery, try the mysterious Incognito Cuvée or the fruity Saignée Rosé.
Harvested separately, matured together
The grapes for the Mano Negra grow in the Laumersheim vineyards, characterized by loess-loam, fine limestone grit, and solid limestone in the subsoil. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Blaufränkisch are harvested by hand separately at their optimal maturity.
Destemmed, they ferment traditionally in mash tubs for about two weeks before maturing for a good 17 months in small barriques. The two varieties are blended only shortly before bottling, consisting of 60 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 40 percent Blaufränkisch. This allows each variety to develop individually for a long time before they are united.
This highlights Philipp's talent for red grape varieties. It is not without reason that he has won the German Red Wine Prize several times. Philipp bottled his first vintage in 1992; today, the estate manages around 40 hectares. You can find more from the Palatinate among the other wines from Philipp Kuhn.
Nearly an hour of air for full power
The Mano Negra shows its full power at 16 to 18 degrees; a little less than an hour of air in the glass does it good. It tastes great freshly opened, but often shows even more depth on the second day. Its dark fruit comes across best in a large red wine glass. Once opened and well sealed, it keeps for two to three days and improves over time. Bold, velvety, Mediterranean.
Mano Negra – a wine and its values
- Origin: Wine from Germany
- Region: Palatinate
- Winery: Philipp Kuhn
- Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 60%, Blaufränkisch 40%
- 13.5% vol. alcohol
- 0.9 g/l residual sugar
- 6.1 g/l acidity