Posted By Joel on April 8, 2009

Italy, Piedmont:  Manzone Dolcetto D’Alba “Le Ciliegie” 2006

Monforte d’Alba has a history the stuff of which movies are made.  Once a Pagus Romanus - earliest known Italian administrative unit of Roman Settlement - Monforte was the scene of the Cathar heresy.  Defeated Cathars were led in chains to burn at the stake.  Referencing the story, poet Giovanni Berchet eerily wrote that “From Monforte no one comes / to Monforte no one goes”.

Fast forward to happier times?  OK: 

Picturesque Monforte, village of 2000 residents:  The Manzone estate is located at ground zero as far as great wine areas go, keeping village company with such celebrated vineyards as Bussia Soprana, Pianpolvere, and Santo Stefano.

Manzone is a small estate consisting of 8 hectares.  The core estate was purchased in 1925 and wines were sold in bulk until the mid 1960’s.  Since then, Manzone wines have been estate bottled.   Aquisition of “Le Gramolere” hillside in the mid’70’s, along with investment in a new cellar, completed the design of what is the estate’s present configuration. Of the 8 hectares,  28.5%  is planted to dolcetto. The remaining vineyard area is planted primarily with nebbiolo and barbera and a small section is dedicated to rossese bianco.

In true artisanal fashion, all wine making at Manzone is carried out by the family. Since the 2005 vintage, son Mauro, having completed studies at the famed Oenology School of Alba, has joined father Giovanni in the family work. Production averages 40,000 bottles / 3,300 cases per year of a lineup that also includes barbera, barolo, langhe nebbiolo, and house speciality langhe bianco rosserto.

100% dolcetto fruit for Manzone’s Dolcetto D’Alba “Le Ciliegie” 2006 hails from guyot trained vines in the Le Ciliegie vineyard.  Maceration takes place for only 7 days, the shorter maceration softening out tannins. Ageing is then done over 11 months time in steel tanks.

Tasting Notes:

The wine is a deep ruby red color, and a pretty core of dark fruit with bright aromas of blackberries and violets all wrap around a lean, deliniated frame.  Utterly drinkable, styled for the every day table.

Food pairing suggestions:  pasta with mushroom or meat sauces, risotto, stews, grilled meats or vegetables, fresh cheeses.

Categories: $ (Under $25), Piedmont, Wine
Tags: Dolcetto