In the heart of Piedmont, Italy, lies a wine that captures the essence of the region and showcases the beauty of the Nebbiolo grape. Introducing the 2018 Giovanni Manzone Barolo le Gramolere, a red wine that exudes elegance and complexity.
As you pour this wine into your glass, you are immediately captivated by its deep ruby color, reminiscent of the finest garnets. The aroma wafts up to greet you with an enticing blend of toasty notes, baking spice, and the distinct scent of Spanish cedar and mahogany wood. The initial oak imprint is strong, but with a little patience, the wine reveals its true character, offering dark primary fruit, plum, steeped tea, and a hint of black rose.
The Gramolere Vineyard in Monforte d'Alba is home to the 30-year-old vines that give birth to this structured and fresh Barolo. It is a wine that demands attention and rewards those who take the time to truly experience its depth.
Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the Manzone 2018 Barolo Gramolere a score of 93, praising its toasty and generous nature. They noted the strong oak influence that gradually gave way to the wine's dark primary fruit and other intriguing flavors.
Vinous, another esteemed wine publication, bestowed a score of 95 upon this Barolo, hailing it as the most linear and intensely aromatic of the three 2018 Barolos in the range. They marveled at its bright red fruit, intermingled with scents of leather, iron, dried herbs, and white pepper. The clean, bracing finish was deemed a thing of beauty, though they recommended allowing the tannins to soften with another year or two of aging.
James Suckling, a prominent wine critic, also fell under the spell of the 2018 Giovanni Manzone Barolo le Gramolere. He described its nose as mineral and tangy, with a refreshing minty edge to the red berries and oranges. On the palate, he found it to be lightly mossy and decadent, with an impressive mineral quality and a long, juicy finish.
This Barolo is a wine of distinction, offering a balance of finesse, power, and longevity. Whether enjoyed now or aged for a few more years, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on any wine enthusiast fortunate enough to taste it. Raise your glass to the 2018 Giovanni Manzone Barolo le Gramolere and savor every sip of this exceptional expression of Nebbiolo.