Manzone - Bricat Barolo 2012

Manzone - Bricat Barolo 2012 (90 TSW)

Manzone’s Barolo ‘Bricat’ comes from the oldest vines (50 years old), in the highest and best-exposed parcel of the Gramolere vineyard. Although Bricat means ‘small hill’ in Piedmontese dialect, the name actually comes from the old owner of the vineyard purchased by the Manzone family in 1989.

Traditional-style Barolo, fermented using natural yeasts with long skin contact. Ageing is carried out in botti and tonneaux (500lt and 700lt in size) for 36 months.

My notes:

In the glass a dark Ruby red color with garnet reflections.
On the medium+ nose delicate aromas of cherries, red berries with hints of licorice, chocolate and tobacco.
On the palate dry, medium++ bodied with medium acidity and tannins. Flavours are a recall of the nose with tar and chocolate in the lovely finish.

The Giovanni Manzone winery is located in the small wine village of Montforte d’Alba, which has 2,000 inhabitants, in the heart of the Langhe region in Piedmont. The winery is a classic Italian family business continue its history back to 1925 when Giovanni's grandfather acquired vineyards for grape growing. However, it would take until 1965 for the first bottles of Barolo to be filled with the name Manzone.

Today, the vineyards that has a large number of steep locations up to an altitude of 450 meters above sea level is one of the established greats in the Piedmont. Giovanni is currently supported by his son Mauro, who has completed a study in viticulture at the famous oenologic university of Alba, and in addition the cellar installations have been sensibly modernized in recent years.