Giovanni Manzone Winery: 100 Years of Traditional Barolo Winemaking in Monforte d'Alba

Giovanni Manzone Winery: A Century of Traditional Winemaking in Monforte d'Alba

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, the Giovanni Manzone winery exemplifies enduring family dedication to the art of Barolo winemaking. Established in 1925 in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, the estate reflects five generations of commitment to traditional viticulture and the distinctive terroir of Monforte d'Alba, particularly within the renowned Barolo crus of Gramolere and Castelletto.

Terroir and Vineyards in High-Elevation Langhe Hills

The Manzone estate spans 14.3 hectares, with 8.5 hectares of vineyards located at elevations reaching up to 400 meters, among the highest in the region. The vineyards lie within the historic Barolo crus Gramolere and Castelletto, areas prized for their unique calcareous sandy soils intermixed with red clay and rocky substrates. These soil characteristics, combined with a southwest exposure, foster the growth of Nebbiolo grapes notable for their structure, aromatic complexity, and freshness.

Alongside Nebbiolo, which makes up approximately half of the plantings, the estate cultivates Barbera, Dolcetto, and the rare white grape Rossese Bianco—rescued by the family from near disappearance. The vineyards’ microclimate features significant diurnal temperature shifts, optimizing acid retention and aromatic expression essential to Langhe’s classic wines.

Traditional Winemaking and Sustainable Viticulture

The Giovanni Manzone winery maintains time-honored practices, including hand-harvesting and minimal intervention winemaking. The estate emphasizes long traditional aging regimes, utilizing neutral oak barrels for up to 84 months and concrete tanks for up to 60 months, allowing the wines to develop depth and structure without overpowering oak influence.

Sustainable viticulture lies at the heart of the family’s approach, addressing challenges posed by climate change. Over the last century, climatic shifts have affected grape ripening and harvest timing, compelling the Manzones to adapt canopy management and selective harvesting techniques to preserve grape quality. The vineyards’ elevation and poor soils act as natural buffers, encouraging vine stress that translates into more concentrated and age-worthy wines.

The Barolo Riserva Cento Anni 2009: A Flagship Wine

The estate’s Barolo Riserva Cento Anni 2009, created to commemorate the centennial, embodies the winery’s philosophy and legacy. Aged traditionally for 12 years before release, this wine exhibits notable depth, structure, and aromatic complexity. Tasting notes reveal vibrant acidity and firm tannins, with nuanced aromas of spice, roses, balsamic, and truffle balanced by flavors of cherries, dark plums, chocolate, and minerality. The long traditional aging in neutral oak and concrete tanks further enhances its elegant evolution potential.

Legacy and Future Outlook

The Giovanni Manzone family has continuously balanced respect for tradition with practical adaptations necessary in a changing environment. Early pioneers in bottling their own wines from 1961, they were also quick to adopt mechanization suited to steep slopes, ensuring both quality and efficiency. Their dedication to preserving rare varieties like Rossese Bianco, alongside their sustainable practices, underlines a commitment to maintaining the Langhe’s terroir and Barolo excellence.

The winery’s centenary not only honors a rich heritage but signals an ongoing promise to produce wines that authentically express their land and family history while meeting future environmental and viticultural challenges.

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Giovanni Manzone’s century-long journey in Monforte d’Alba showcases the profound relationship between tradition, terroir, and innovation. Through meticulous care of their high-elevation vineyards in Gramolere and Castelletto and steadfast adherence to traditional aging methods, the Manzones continue to craft Barolo wines distinguished by quality and aging potential, securing their place in the legacy of Langhe winemaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Giovanni Manzone winery history

A: The Giovanni Manzone winery is a family-owned vineyard located in the Piedmont region of Italy, known for its dedication to traditional winemaking methods. Established in the early 20th century, the winery has been passed down through generations, preserving a legacy of quality and regional authenticity. Giovanni Manzone focuses on producing classic Piedmontese wines, such as Barbera and Dolcetto, highlighting the unique terroir of the Langhe hills. Over the years, the winery has embraced both tradition and innovation to maintain its reputation for craftsmanship and excellent wines.

Q: Best Barolo wines from Manzone

A: Manzone is a renowned vineyard area in the Barolo region, known for producing some of the finest Nebbiolo grapes used in Barolo wines. Among the best Barolo wines from Manzone, producers like Giacomo Fenocchio, Elio Grasso, and Giuseppe Rinaldi stand out for their exceptional quality and traditional style. These wines often showcase complex aromas of cherry, rose, tar, and earthy notes with firm tannins and excellent aging potential. For wine enthusiasts seeking top-notch Barolo from Manzone, exploring these producers and their single-vineyard cru offerings is highly recommended.

Q: Impact of climate change on Langhe vineyards

A: Climate change has significantly impacted the Langhe vineyards in Italy by altering temperature and precipitation patterns. Warmer temperatures have led to earlier grape ripening, which can affect the balance of sugars and acids, potentially changing the wine's flavor profiles. Additionally, increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as droughts and heavy rains, poses challenges for vine health and vineyard management. Winemakers are adapting by experimenting with new grape varieties and cultivation techniques to maintain the quality and distinctiveness of Langhe wines.

Q: Manzone family wine tasting notes

A: Manzone Family wines are known for their elegant and balanced profile, often showcasing rich fruit flavors alongside subtle earthy and floral notes. Tasting notes commonly highlight ripe berries, cherries, and plum with hints of spice and oak, reflecting careful vineyard management and winemaking techniques. The tannins are usually smooth and well-integrated, providing a pleasant texture and a lingering finish. Overall, Manzone wines offer a harmonious and approachable drinking experience prized by enthusiasts.

Q: 100th anniversary Manzone Barolo release

A: The 100th anniversary Manzone Barolo release celebrates a century of winemaking by the Manzone family winery, renowned for producing high-quality Barolo wines in Italy's Piedmont region. This special edition typically features a limited production run, highlighting traditional Barolo craftsmanship and mature vineyards. It is often crafted to mark the milestone with exceptional quality, making it a prized collector's item for wine enthusiasts. The release may include unique packaging or commemorative labeling to honor the Manzone family's century-long heritage.

Key Entities

Giovanni Manzone: Giovanni Manzone is a member of the Manzone family, known for their historical ties to Castelletto and Gramolere. He represents the family's continued presence and influence in these Northern Italian localities.

Mauro Manzone: Mauro Manzone is associated with the Manzone family, prominent in the areas of Castelletto and Gramolere. His activities contribute to preserving the family's legacy and regional heritage.

Manzone family: The Manzone family is a historically significant lineage linked to the communities of Castelletto and Gramolere. They have played a notable role in shaping the cultural and social landscape of these Northern Italian regions.

Castelletto: Castelletto is a locality in Northern Italy known for its historical connection to the Manzone family. It serves as a regional center with cultural and familial significance in the area.

Gramolere: Gramolere is a Northern Italian village associated with the Manzone family heritage. The area reflects traditional local customs and the longstanding presence of the family within the community.

External articles

• The secular history of Manzone Giovanni estate
• Rooted in Langhe: 100 Years of Giovanni Manzone Wines
• The Barolo revolution between modernism and tradition

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YouTube Video

Title: BAROLO vs Langhe Nebbiolo: Is It Worth Paying More?
Channel: No Sediment
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqhGrES8DgA
Published: 1 month ago