Barolo « Gramolere » DOCG - 2018

Situated in the south-eastern part of the Piedmontese hills of the Langhes, in the village of Castelletto, the estate of Giovanni Manzone has for some decades been famous for its Barolos, Barberas and Dolcetto.

In 1925, the ancestor Giovanni Manzone began by acquiring a small plot of land around the parish house of Monforte d'Alba and growing vines there. In 1965, Giovanni and his son Stefano bottled their first Barolo wine entirely from their own grapes. In the meantime, the estate has grown to more than 9 hectares, some of them on the much sought-after hill of "Gramolere". Today it comprises four appellations: Barbera, Barolo, Dolcetto and Langhe, spread over three localities. Since the 1980s, the grandson, Giovanni, named after his grandfather, has managed the estate. In 2005 and 2012, his two children, Mauro and Mirella, both from the University of Enology of Alba, take over the management and proudly carry on the family tradition. Renovation work has since been carried out on the winery and cellars.

The soil of the three localities is particularly chalky, bringing finesse and characteristic structure to each grape variety (Barbera, Dolcetto, Rossere and Nebbiolo, which gives the Barolo so particular). The Giovanni Manzone vineyards are planted at altitudes that are rare in the region, up to 450 m, offering a spectacular view of the Alps. The resulting steep slopes provide ideal sunshine, as well as a welcome coolness for the Nebbiolo. The working methods in the vineyard are strictly traditional, respect for the environment above all: grassing of the plants, no chemicals, respect for the fauna. It has been awarded the Piedmont Green Experience Certification. The same principles apply to the winery: long maceration, no human or mechanical intervention, no fining or filtering and very little sulphur. The ageing process is also long-lasting, in very large barrels. These are especially not in new oak barrels, so as not to alter the delicacy of the Nebbiolo.

Giovanni Manzone's Barolos are renowned for their depth and finesse. Accessible in the short to medium term, their aromas of black fruits, liquorice and white truffle will become more pronounced with age. Barbera draws more on redcurrant and plum, being considered a seductive wine. Finally, the Dolcetto, particularly interesting from a quality/price ratio point of view, is to be tasted every day. Thanks to the softness of its tannins, it is very fine. Its notes of red fruits and undergrowth are very present and reflect the terroir.

Described by Wine Spectator magazine as "a small producer who makes magic with Nebbiolo...", Giovanni Manzone is definitely one of the great names in Piedmont.