Description
Join us for a formal sit down tasting with Rocche Dei Manzoni Winery aka a Modernist in Barolo winemaking
When Valentino Migliorini and his wife Iolanda purchase the Rocche Dei Manzoni winery in 1972, it is under great skepticism from the other winegrowers in the area. And it’s supposed to be about wine!
He did not grow up in Barolo, and therefore he has not been massaged into the area’s rules and dogmas from childhood. So, to the great surprise of the locals, he abolished the large and traditional botti casks, in favor of small barrique casks, when he had to age his red wine. This was the beginning of a huge change in style in Barolo, and Valentino Migliorini became one of the first modernists in Barolo.
The modernist wines were softer, rounder and could be drunk long before the traditionalist ones, which often required decades in the cellar before they could be enjoyed. It was a breakthrough in the way of thinking about Barolo wine, and Rocche Dei Manzoni went from being a heretical newcomer who committed abuse of tradition to being an icon and a pioneer in the region.
Today, the winery is managed by Valentinos Migliorini’s son, Rodolfo, who continues to run Rocche Dei Manzoni in the spirit of his father. He is also not afraid to explore new methods, and has as one of his own initiatives introduced storage in cement eggs.
The wines from Rocche Dei Manzoni are grandiose masterpieces that dare to reinterpret such an immortal classic as the wine of kings, Barolo. A difficult mission, but Rocche Dei Manzoni succeeded in that year after vintage.
Tataya 2023 Langhe DOC Bianco Rocche dei Manzoni $34.99
Tataya 2023 Langhe DOC Bianco by Rocche dei Manzoni is made from Chardonnay and Sauvignon grapes from the various vineyards owned by the Podere located in Monforte d’Alba. For its realization, immediately after pressing, the must is placed in cement, where it will ferment and further refine before bottling. Tataya 2023 Langhe DOC Bianco by Rocche dei Manzoni is a fresh and balanced wine ideal for aperitifs or accompanying fish appetizers and light first courses.
Rocche dei Manzoni 2021 Barbera d’Alba La Cresta $49.99
A full-bodied, balanced, persistent wine of very dark black-red. Plum, plum, ripe black berries and tender dried fruits characterize the quite strong bouquet. In addition, there are some spicy (licorice, vanilla) and roasted aromas (chocolate, smoke, toast) as well as a hint of leather scent. On the palate there are juicy tannins, a very harmonious, full-bodied structure and the whole range of berries, dried fruit and stone fruit as well as the beautiful roasted aroma, complemented by some clove.
Rocche dei Manzoni 2019 Barolo Classico $79.99
Rich garnet red, herbal-spicy nose with seductive cherry fruit, pickled plums, cigar box, violets and fresh leather, strong body with taut tannin structure, mouth-watering freshness, subtle fruit sweetness and excellent aromas of tobacco, black cherry, juniper, blueberry jam, long well-structured finish.
Rocche dei Manzoni 2018 Barolo Big d’Big $129.99
The Big D’ Big vineyard is located in Mosconi in Barolo. Considered by many to be one of the absolute best vineyards in Barolo, which produces a powerful and intense wine. Manzoni cultivates the vineyard according to biodynamic principles. The Nebbiolo grapes are planted with 4000 vines per hectare. The grapes are harvested manually, and fermentation is carried out at a controlled temperature. After roasting, the wine is transferred to the barrique, where it is aged for up to 48 months before bottling. An excellent wine that has 30 years of storage potential in the cellar. Single vineyard wine from Big D’ Big vineyard. Beautiful ruby red color with good intensity. The aroma is elegant with notes of everything from violets to sweet red cherries. The taste has a great intensity in the fruit, which is still hidden a little behind a dense tannin structure and high fruit acidity. A wine that will go excellently with dishes with lamb, or truffles.
Rocche dei Manzoni 2012 Barolo Vigna d’La Roul $119.99
The Barolo Bricco San Pietro Vigna d’la Roul from Podere Rocche dei Manzoni is crafted from grapes grown on the Bricco San Pietro in Monforte d’Alba. The wine is named after the oak tree, known as the “roul,” situated in the middle of the vineyard. This is the winery’s most robust red wine, undergoing three years of aging in barriques followed by an additional year of bottle aging. From a cooler vintage the 2012 expresses a fresher rendenation of this wine with notes of black cherry, dried flower, bay leaf and dark chocolate. The acidity is prominent but perfectly balanced.
Rocche dei Manzoni 2010 Barolo Pianpolvere Soprano $219.99
Historically, the vineyard is divided in Vigna Pianpolvere and Vigna Pianpolvere Soprano, owned exclusively by Rocche dei Manzoni. The denomination Pianpolvere Soprano dates back to the late 1700s when Napoleon Bonaparte built a powder keg on this plot. It then became an ecclesiastical property and was purchased in the early 1900s by the Fenocchio family, which went on to vinify its grapes for 68 years. In 1998, it became property of the Migliorini family, who was already producing wine in Monforte d’Alba at Podere Rocche dei Manzoni. The Barolo Pianpolvere Soprano Bussia offers a younger version of the already well-known Barolo Pianpolvere Soprano Riserva. A result made possible thanks to the replanted vines that have finally reached an age suitable for the production of a wine with a shorter ageing period (4 years) compared to the Riserva (between 7 and 10 years), which has nevertheless remained faithful to the terroir, showing all its best virtues. Indulge in the rich and luxurious taste of Pianpolvere Soprano, Barolo Riserva DOCG, Bussia. The deep red hue of this Barolo Riserva DOCG immediately captures the eye, hinting at the bold and complex flavors that await. With each sip, you’ll experience notes of ripe cherry, blackberry, and hints of spice, all balanced by a velvety smooth texture. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, this 2010 vintage is sure to impress.
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