Rocche dei Manzoni - Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy (2022)

TASTING NOTES

Ripe cherry, violets, rhubarb, gentian, and medicinal herbs, all supported by a refreshing liveliness. While the tannins are characteristically Nebbiolo, they are ready to drink, with a subtle balsamic note.

In 1974, Valentino Migliorini, already a successful restaurateur, purchased a farmhouse in Monforte d'Alba and soon began innovating in winemaking. He created the first Langhe blend, Bricco Manzoni, in 1976, and was a pioneer in using small oak barrels for aging red wines and producing sparkling wine with the traditional method—introducing both to the Langhe region. By 1982, all his wines were aged in oak, and in 1999, he released the first 10-year reserve Barolo. His experimental approach and attention to detail helped establish Rocche dei Manzoni as a leading force in Piedmontese winemaking and paved the way for sparkling wine production in the area—decades ahead of others.