Podere Rocche dei Manzoni

Valentino Migliorini, a former Michelin-starred restaurateur, established Podere Rocche dei Manzoni in 1974. From the outset, the estate pursued an innovative approach that set it apart from conventional Barolo producers. In 1976, it became the first estate in the region to produce a blended Langhe wine, the now-iconic Bricco Manzoni. Just two years later, in 1978, it became the first to make a Metodo Classico sparkling wine in the area. The estate also pioneered the use of small French oak barrels in Barolo production, a practice that defined the modernist movement in the appellation. In 1999, the estate produced its first 10-year reserve Barolo. Today, Rodolfo Migliorini continues his father's legacy at the helm.

• Founded 1974 by Valentino Migliorini, a former Michelin-starred restaurateur
• First blended Langhe wine in the region: Bricco Manzoni, 1976
• First Metodo Classico sparkling wine in the area, 1978
• First 10-year reserve Barolo produced in 1999

The estate sits in Monforte d'Alba within the Barolo DOCG appellation, spanning 50 hectares at an average elevation of 350 meters above sea level. The high-altitude hillside microclimate channels air through the vineyards, supporting healthy vine growth and gradual ripening. Soils are a complex mix of clayey limestone, gray marlstone, sandstone deposits, and calcareous soils with an argillaceous component. This layered geology, combined with the estate's five distinct vineyard plots, contributes to the complexity and structure of its wines. The property is situated within UNESCO World Heritage territory.

• Monforte d'Alba, Barolo DOCG; 350 meters average elevation
• Soils: clayey limestone, gray marlstone, sandstone, and calcareous-argillaceous material
• High-altitude microclimate with air channels supporting vine health
• Five named vineyard plots, including Vigna Big 'D Big and Vigna d'La Roul

The estate grows Nebbiolo, Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Barbera across its vineyards. Vine training follows the Guyot system at a density of 4,000 vines per hectare. Farming is biologically managed using organic and sustainable practices. In the cellar, the team uses both small French oak barrels and egg-shaped concrete tanks, reflecting a winemaking philosophy that blends modernist technique with precision. The separately purchased Pianpolvere Soprano Bussia vineyard, acquired in 1998, operates as an independent entity.

• Grapes: Nebbiolo, Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Barbera
• Guyot training system at 4,000 vines per hectare
• Organically and sustainably farmed
• Cellar tools include small French oak barrels and egg-shaped concrete tanks

Rocche dei Manzoni produces a wide portfolio centered on modern-style Barolo DOCG. Beyond Barolo, the estate makes Langhe DOC reds, Dolcetto d'Alba, Barbera d'Alba, blended wines, and a Spumante Brut using the Metodo Classico. The flagship Bricco Manzoni was the first blended Langhe wine in the region and remains a defining wine of the estate. Both traditional reserve Barolos and contemporary-styled wines appear in the lineup, demonstrating the estate's range across different expressions of Piedmontese viticulture.

• Flagship: Bricco Manzoni, the region's first blended Langhe wine (1976)
• Barolo DOCG including a 10-year reserve bottling
• Spumante Brut Metodo Classico, a regional first in 1978
• Also produces Langhe DOC, Dolcetto d'Alba, Barbera d'Alba, and blended wines