Manzola

Manzola holds a distinguished place in the history of Barbaresco. The 19th century author Fantini cited it among just nine 'chosen positions' in the appellation, a testament to its long-standing reputation as a premier site. This historical recognition preceded the modern MGA system by well over a century. When the Barbaresco MGA classifications were officially established in 1997, Manzola was among the sites formally designated, cementing its status in the contemporary hierarchy of the appellation.

• Cited among nine elite vineyard positions by 19th century author Fantini
• Officially designated as an MGA in 1997
• One of the oldest recognized crus in the commune of Treiso
• Historical prestige aligns with the modern MGA classification system

Manzola sits within the commune of Treiso, one of three communes entitled to produce Barbaresco DOCG alongside Barbaresco itself and Neive. The vineyard occupies a southwest-facing slope ranging from 210 to 350 meters elevation, a relatively wide altitudinal spread for such a small site. The soils combine clay and limestone with sandy outcrops, along with calcareous whitish marl and bluish tufa. These are the classic Tortonian-era soils of the Langhe hills, well-suited to bringing out the aromatic complexity and structural finesse of Nebbiolo. The climate is temperate continental and notably cooler and better-ventilated than nearby Rombone, contributing to the site's reputation for elegance over power.

• Southwest aspect provides consistent afternoon sun exposure
• Elevation range of 210 to 350 meters moderates ripening
• Calcareous marl and bluish tufa soils are classic for Barbaresco terroir
• Cooler and more ventilated than neighboring Rombone MGA

Barbaresco from Manzola is defined by elegance and refinement rather than sheer weight. The combination of well-ventilated, cooler conditions and complex calcareous soils draws out Nebbiolo's aromatic side, producing wines with a pronounced floral bouquet, particularly violets, alongside red fruit notes and spice. Tannins are present and structured but balanced, with the overall profile sitting firmly in the refined end of the Barbaresco spectrum. Both Nebbiolo Lampia and Nebbiolo Michet clones are grown in the MGA, which can contribute layers of aromatic and textural nuance to the finished wine.

Given Manzola's tiny footprint of 1.28 hectares, only a handful of producers work within its boundaries. Grimaldi maintains a plot within the vineyard, and the Grimaldi holding represents the documented 1.28 hectare figure associated with the MGA. Nada Fiorenzo and Cantina Rizzi are also noted producers with ties to the site. These estates bring individual interpretations to what the terroir offers, though the underlying character of floral aromatics, red fruit, and structured elegance remains a consistent thread across bottlings from this historic cru.