We believe in respectful viticulture

Defending sustainability

The vines cultivated by Manzone belong to the great tradition of the Langhe: Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo, the main varieties of these hills with which Manzone produces Barolo wines at the top of the denomination for austerity and elegance.

The family rows grow on steep slopes, almost mountainous, which require a difficult, expensive and completely manual viticulture, carried out row by row. Since 1978, Manzone has forgone land milling and, instead, practiced shredding, which revitalizes the soil and protects it from invasive operations. The goal is to keep biodiversity intact: organic fertilization, grassing with natural herbs between the rows, and no use of herbicides, pesticides or chemical fertilizers. A philosophy based on limited intervention that has allowed the preservation of the original balance of a centuries-old viticultural ecosystem, gaining small bunches with high-quality skins.

Thinning operations that are never excessive, targeted interventions on each plant and late harvests are the finishing touches through which the Manzone family guarantees the authentic varietal expression of every single plant and helps the grapes and pips to reach complete ripeness.

ROSSESE BIANCO: A HERITAGE TO BE PROTECTED

Giovanni Manzone deserves the credit for having saved a rare and native white grape from extinction: the Rossese Bianco. Originally from Cinque Terre, in Liguria, this variety was already present in the winery since the beginning of the 1900s.

In 1982, Giovanni re-grafted some plants and was the first producer to put a 100% Rossese Bianco wine back into production. This started a long and arduous journey with the University of Turin and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture in order to make it legal again.

After 30 years, Rossese Bianco has finally been recognized among the indigenous varieties of Piedmont and has a specific denomination: Langhe Rossese Bianco Doc. Production is very limited and Manzone is its main producer in Langa, growing about 1 hectare.

THE GREEN EXPERIENCE

Since 2015, Manzone Giovanni has been part of The Green Experience, a protocol promoted by Coldiretti to ensure environmental sustainability, the reduction in the use of chemical products and the promotion of low-impact agronomic solutions.

BEES AND BEEHIVES

Since 2014, the rows of Gramolere have accommodated over 60 beehives that are home to thousands of bees during summer.

The hives benefit from Gramolere’s proximity to one of the largest wooded areas in Monforte d’Alba: this allows for the harvesting of different kinds of honey from the flowers in bloom.

Maintaining the bees’ health requires constant and delicate commitment as they are highly sensitive to treatments.

Thus, Manzone Giovanni has decided to use sulfur and copper and limit the employment of systematic procedures. This method allows to reduce human intervention and ensures long-term sustainability.

PROTECTING THE BATS

The thriving biodiversity of our hills is a priceless heritage that must be carefully preserved and attended to, just like our vineyards.

This is how the Bat Box project was born: designated shelters have been placed among the rows to host local bats.

These mammals play an important role in reducing the presence of harmful insects and keeping a healthy environment.

PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY

Since 2017, a 17 kW photovoltaic system mounted on the roof of the new cellar allows for improved energy efficiency.

Solar energy is mainly used to keep constant temperatures in the cellar, providing heat during winter and cooler temperatures in the summer: a fundamental element that ensures a balanced and harmonious aging of outstanding red wines.

HEATING USING RENEWABLE SOURCES

The heating system in different work areas and tasting rooms is run with the oldest material available to humanity: wood.

This conscious and sound choice embraced the use of renewable resources: the wood comes from the forest area surrounding our vineyards, an area that we take care of.

The use of solar energy and woodfire heating are a further step towards enabling the company to produce its own energy.