Mantoetto

Mantoetto holds a remarkable distinction in the Barolo landscape: it is likely the earliest documented cru in the entire appellation, with the Mentone family producing Barolo here as far back as 1880. Surviving bottles from 1890 and 1891 serve as tangible proof of the vineyard's long commercial history. The property has remained in the hands of the Fracassi family, officially operating today under the name Umberto Fracassi Ratti Mentone. When the Barolo MGA system was formalized in 2009, Mantoetto was recognized as the sole MGA within the Cherasco commune, cementing its unique geographic identity within the appellation.

• Barolo production documented at this site since 1880
• Original bottles from 1890 and 1891 still exist
• Monopole ownership by the Fracassi family throughout its recorded history
• Formally recognized as an MGA in 2009, the only one in Cherasco

Mantoetto sits within the commune of Cherasco, positioned at elevations between 345 and 360 meters above sea level. The vineyard faces south to southwest, maximizing sun exposure across the growing season. Soils are calcareous-clay of Tortonian origin, composed of compact limestone-rich marl that is characteristic of the western Barolo zone. This combination of well-drained clay soils and limestone provides both water retention during dry periods and the mineral backbone that defines wines from this part of Piedmont. The microclimate benefits from strong ventilation alongside consistent sun exposure, conditions that support even ripening of Nebbiolo.

• Elevation: 345 to 360 meters (1,131 to 1,181 feet)
• Aspect: south to southwest facing
• Soil: Tortonian calcareous-clay with high limestone content
• Total area: two hectares under vine

All three recognized clonal variants of Nebbiolo are planted at Mantoetto: Nebbiolo Lampia, Nebbiolo Michet, and Nebbiolo Rosé. This diversity within a single two-hectare plot speaks to the site's long viticultural history and the traditional approach maintained by the Fracassi family. The resulting Barolo is characterized as elegant and aromatic rather than massive, showing notes of cherry, tar, roses, and licorice. Tannins are structured but refined, reflecting both the limestone-rich soils and the south-southwest exposure that encourages full phenolic development without excessive extraction. Production is intentionally limited to approximately 5,000 to 6,000 bottles per year.

• All three Nebbiolo biotypes cultivated: Lampia, Michet, and Rosé
• Wine profile leans toward elegance and aromatic complexity
• Core aromas include cherry, tar, roses, and licorice
• Annual output of 5,000 to 6,000 bottles from two hectares

Mantoetto occupies a singular position within the Barolo MGA framework as the only geographically additional mention within Cherasco. The MGA system, established in 2009, formally recognizes individual vineyard sites of historic and qualitative significance across the Barolo DOCG. Mantoetto's inclusion acknowledges both its documented heritage dating to the 19th century and the distinct terroir character it imparts to the wines produced there. As a monopole of the Fracassi family, it remains one of the few single-owner MGAs in the entire Barolo zone, adding to its collector interest and rarity value.

• Sole MGA within the Cherasco commune boundary
• One of the few monopole MGAs in the entire Barolo DOCG
• MGA designation formally established in 2009
• Historical significance potentially makes it the oldest documented Barolo cru