Giovanni Manzone, Monforte d'Alba (Piedmont)

"The wines, and in particular the Barolos, are superbly clean and generously structured. Extremely cellarable, they are aged in oak barrels of varying sizes." (Gambero Rosso, 2013)

Giovanni Manzone is a producer of exceptionally high quality Barolos with a traditionalist approach whilst employing some modern techniques including long macerations and the use of French barrels. The wines have been improving wonderfully over the last few years and 2006 to 2008 saw three back-to-back vintages of some exceptional wines putting this estate firmly in the very top tier of Barolo production. More...

As well as three Barolo crus from Le Gramolere, Castelletto and Bricat, a special parcel in the highest part of Le Gramolere, for which the estate is rightly famous, there are other wines in the portfolio: notably a Barbera Superiore, La Serra, from old-vines, noted for its concentration, as well as some excellent Dolcettos and a Langhe Bianco "Rosserto", made from Rossese Bianco, an indiginous variety virtually unheard of in Piemonte outside the Manzone vineyards.

Giovanni's father bought “Ciabot del Preve” (the house of the Parish Priest of Castelletto) in 1925 but it was not until 1965 when the first bottling of wines from Stefano Manzone e Giovanni Manzone came about. Gradually, important vineyards were purchased, in particular on the hill of Le Gramolere in Monforte d'Alba, a small village in the heart of the Langhe area of Piedmont overlooking the great plain of Cuneo. There are now 8 hectares of productive vines producing around 50,000 bottles per year.

Mauro joined his father in 2005, having completed the studies at the historical Oenology School of Alba.

We enjoyed an extensive visit at the winery where we discovered an underground spring next to the cellars and some fabulous views from the tasting room at the top of the house. Magnificent!

"The beautifully renovated cellar provides an ideal environment for ageing, as well as a spectacular panoramic view from the tower that rises above the building.  At an altitude of around 450 metres, the relatively high location of the vineyards imbues the grapes with considerable freshness. It is here that the capable Giovanni Manzone has concentrated most of his efforts since the harvest of 1965, when he established his estate. For several years now, Giovanni has also had the capable support of his son, Mauro. The wines, and in particular the Barolos, are superbly clean and generously structured. Extremely cellarable, they are aged in oak barrels of varying sizes." (Gambero Rosso, 2013)

See also: Piedmont     Giovanni Manzone