One of Barolo’s famed producers Giovanni Manzoni was founded back in 1925 when Giovanni Manzone purchased 'Ciabot del Preve' (the Parish Priest house) and he started the winemaking in Monforte d’Alba. During the years the Manzone family purchased important vineyards on the historic hill of ‘Castelletto’ and ‘Gramolere’ two top crus in Monforte d'Alba. In the last several years Mauro (2005) and Mirella Manzone (2012) joined their father Giovanni in the management of the winery. Mauro and Mirella are graduates from the famed Oenology School of Alba. Manzone estate is located in Monforte d’Alba, Piedmont, in the southeastern portion of the Langhe hills. Manzone owns 8.5 hectares (about 20 acres) of vineyards and uses estate-grown grapes only. The entire production is roughly 45,000 bottles per year.
I love the Manzone wines and have bought many of these wines over the years, particularly the well-priced ‘Bricat’ which consistently over-delivers for the price. I absolutely loved the 2018 Giovanni Manzone ‘Bricat’ Barolo (OB, 94) which is so pretty in its core of red fruits and is actually drinking marvelously now. Learn more about this famed Barolo estate at http://www.manzonegiovanni.com Here are notes from the outstanding new wines by Manzone.
2020 Giovanni Manzone Rossese Bianco- The 2020 Rossese Bianco is an indigenous varietal that is rare and was rediscovered by Manzone. This wine has been made since 1982. This almost resembles a cross between Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Blanc with kumquat zest, cashew nut, wet stone and a silky smooth texture. This is really well-done that is best enjoyed at a slightly warmer temperature to take in the outstanding range of flavors. Drink 2023-2028- 91
2019 Giovanni Manzone ‘La Marchesa’ Barbara D’Alba- An outstanding value, the 2019 ‘La Marchesa’ Barbera comes from a vineyard set on red clay soils. ‘La Marchesa’ is an historical farmhouse that used to belong to the Marchesa Scarampi and has belonged to the Manzone family since 1999. This is nicely perfumed with violet rose petals alongside freshly tilled soils, white truffle and suggestions of blood orange zest. The palate is very fresh and nicely textured, with good length and concentration. This is drinking beautifully right now. Give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying in its heady youth. Drink 2023-2032- 92
2019 Giovanni Manzone ‘Gramolere’ Barolo- The exceedingly good 2019 Giovanni Manzone ‘Gramolere’ Barolo really needs about an hour or two in the decanter to fully be aroused. White pepper and shades of red currant compote, cranberry and dried red cherry notes. The palate is rich and dense with a smooth texture. Very generous, this revels in its citrus rind and great core of red fruit flavors, with stony and herbal accents and solid underlying finesse. This has some seriously good potential, just give it at least another year before consuming. Drink 2023-2037- 93
2018 Giovanni Manzone ‘Bricat’ Barolo- A delicious and already quite open Barolo, the 2018 ‘Bricat’ is a fantastic new wine from this storied house. Once on the nose this shows serious complexity with red licorice and black truffle and shades of potpourri. The palate is complex and rich with a wonderfully fleshy texture. Rich red fruits combine with salty soils, worn leather and tobacco leaf. With more air this just gets better and better as this beauty will easily Ella well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 94
2018 Giovanni Manzone ‘Castelletto’ Barolo- The gorgeous 2018 Giovanni Manzone ‘Castelletto’ Barolo is a stunning wine that is showing beautifully at the five year mark. This is bright and is bursting with sour red fruits that combine with freshly tilled loamy soils, green peppercorns, Enoki mushroom and suggestions of menthol. Fantastic to consume in its heady youth this beauty will easily go for another fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 93
2016 Giovanni Manzone ‘Gramolere Riserva’ Barolo- The finest wine in the collection, the world-class 2016 Giovanni Manzone ‘Gramolere Riserva’ Barolo comes from 50 year old vines that are set on the steepest portion of the vineyard. The site is set to southern and south-western exposure and soils are calcareous and sandy, rich in stones and fossils. This is beautifully textured wine that is already nicely evolved. Red rose petals and wet stone combine with citrus blossom water, sandy soils, tart cherry and shades of red licorice on the palate. A masterpiece, this beauty will live on for at least another twenty years to come. Drink 2023-2050- 96