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“A small producer who does magic with Nebbiolo” Wine Spectator
Crafted for lovers of classically styled Barolo, the elegant 95 pt. 2018 Giovanni Manzone Barolo Castelletto reveals engaging floral aromas and fresh, earthy dark red fruit with bright acidity and fine-grained, integrated tannins, an exceptional value from one of Piedmont’s “greatest under the radar gems” according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, promising years of enjoyment for Nebbiolo lovers and anyone looking to enjoy outstanding Cru Barolo more often.
Established nearly a century ago, the family run Giovanni Manzone winery is located at the top of a hill in Monforte d’Alba surrounded by estate vineyards spanning 8 hectares, now led by sixth generation winemaker Mauro and his sister Mirello working alongside their father Giovanni. Situated on a steep, sloping hillside at 450 meters above sea level, the estate’s one-hectare, high altitude Castelletto vineyard has been sustainably farmed without chemicals or pesticides for decades, its Nebbiolo vines planted in stony, limestone-rich marl that results in naturally lower yields. Fermented naturally with indigenous yeasts, the 2018 Barolo Castelletto was traditionally aged in large Slavonian oak casks for three years, followed by some resting time in concrete before bottling without filtering or fining, yielding lush aromas and textures in a muscular, finessed Barolo described as “a robust expression of Nebbiolo” by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner with over a decade of longevity ahead.
From a vintage producing "delicious, open-knit and approachable wines" according to Decanter, the seductive 95 pt. 2018 Giovanni Manzone Barolo Castelletto offers intensely aromatic fruit with silky tannins and notable complexity that’s charming in its youth but promising to age gracefully for years, a chance for Barolo aficionados to stock the cellar with beautifully crafted Nebbiolo at a bargain price and enjoy it often over the next five, ten or fifteen years. |