Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A super-youthful, fragrant and crispy white focused on citrus fruit and wet wool. Flinty depth. This has a savory, vibrant and mineral palate, crisp acidity and light body. Clean, precise finish.
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Vinous
The 2024 Manzoni Bianco Fontanasanta slowly awakens in the glass as nuances of gravel dust and wet concrete blow off to reveal a pretty blend of ginger-infused peaches and lime zest. This opens with noticeable weight yet quickly firms up as a pop of brisk acidity and salty minerals meld with tart orchard fruits. Zesty and intense, almost saline, the 2024 forces the mouth to water as exotic inner florals slowly fade.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
A mountainous northern Italian region heavily influenced by German culture, Trentino-Alto Adige is actually made up of two separate but similar regions: Alto Adige and Trentino.
Trentino, the southern half, is primarily Italian-speaking and largely responsible for the production of non-native, international grapes. There is a significant quantity of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Merlot produced. But Trentino's native and most unique red variety, Teroldego, while still rare, is gaining popularity. It produces a deeply colored red wine rich in wild blackberry, herb, coffee and cocoa.
The rugged terrain of German-speaking Alto Adige (also referred to as Südtirol) focuses on small-scale viticulture, with great value placed on local varieties—though international varieties have been widely planted since the 1800s. Sheltered by the Alps from harsh northerly winds, many of the best vineyards are at extreme altitude but on steep slopes to increase sunlight exposure.
Dominant red varieties include the bold, herbaceous Lagrein and delicate, strawberry-kissed, Schiava, in addition to some Pinot Nero.
The primary white grapes are Pinot grigio, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot blanc, as well as smaller plantings of Sauvignon blanc, Müller Thurgau. These tend to be bright and refreshing with crisp acidity and just the right amount of texture. Some of the highest quality Pinot grigio in Italy is made here.